A complication of lower thoracic oesophagectomy for oesophageal carcinoma is reported. Extrapericardial tamponade was caused by a dilated retrosternal gastric roll. Echocardiography was useful for diagnosis. Diagnosis, investigation and management of this unusual but life-threatening complication are discussed. Transthoracic echocardiography is a useful and practical investigation for the evaluation of complications of oesophagectomy.
WhooleyB.P., LawS., MurthyS.C., AlexandrouA., WongJ.Analysis of reduced death and complication rates after esophageal resection.Ann Surg2001; 233: 338–344.
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KitamuraM., NishihiraT., HirayamaK.. Cardiocirculatory disturbances after surgery of carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus.Nippon Kyobu Geka Gakkai Zasshi1989; 37: 17–24.
