Successful ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure for Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome (CHAOS) owing to a large oropharyngeal teratoma

Abstract Large fetal neck masses can present a major challenge to securing an airway at birth, with associated risks of hypoxia, brain injury and death. The authors report a case of a giant oropharyngeal teratoma diagnosed in a fetus of 19 weeks gestation. The fetus was delivered by the ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure allowing sufficient time on placental support for bronchoscopy and tracheostomy to secure the airway. A multidisciplinary team approach combined with an accurate prenatal diagnosis obtained through fetal ultrasound was the key to a successful outcome. Unfortunately due to the large size of tumour and intracranial extension, the lesion was unresectable and the baby died 6 days after birth.