Airway management and quadratus lumborum block for inguinal hernia repair in context of chromosome 4q deletion: A case report

Key Clinical MessageChromosome 4q Deletion Syndrome (4QDS) is a rare chromosomal deletion that presents with various congenital defects that could affect anesthetic management. We present a patient with known 4QDS who underwent successful general anesthetic induction, tracheal intubation, and subsequently, bilateral quadratus lumborum nerve blocks, during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgery. Chromosome 4q deletion syndrome (4QDS) is a rare chromosomal deletion with the potential for congenital defects that could affect the anesthetic management of affected patients, specifically with inconsistent reports of possible laryngeal narrowing which could precipitate intubation difficulties. We present a report of a patient with known 4QDS who underwent successful general anesthetic induction and tracheal intubation, followed by subsequent bilateral quadratus lumborum nerve blocks, in the context of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgery. Given the inconsistent presentation of patients with 4QDS reported in the literature, steps were taken to exercise sufficient caution concerning the overall management of this patient per the most recent guidelines for pediatric patients.