Haemodynamic instability during transhiatal resection of oesophagus results in postoperative metabolic acidosis and hypoxia: is there a need for assisted ventilation?

Oesophagectomy for oesophageal carcinoma is a stressful physical and metabolic challenge for an individual. The metabolic acidosis and hypoxia resulting postoperatively in a 34-year-old male, suffering from oesophageal carcinoma, after transhiatal oesophagectomy was managed without assisted ventilation contrary to the usual teaching. Relevant literature has been reviewed.