An Unusual Life-threatening Presentation of a Common Complication in a Postoperative Case of Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Oesophagectomy

Abstract

Oesophagectomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is associated with various complications such as anastomotic leaks, thoracic duct leaks, bleeding, aspiration pneumonia, arrhythmias and nerve palsies. A minimally invasive approach to surgery is preferred due to the reduced risk of associated complications. We report the case of a 65-year-old female who underwent oesophagectomy. Her postoperative phase was eventful as she developed a massive oronasal bleed, which was later found to be caused by an anastomotic leak causing erosion of the blood vessels. Our patient was resuscitated and managed with an emergent exploratory laparotomy. Herein, we report this case to highlight the importance of focussing on case-specific common complications manifesting in unusual presentations.