[Tracheal rupture during a transhiatal esophagectomy without thoracotomy. Intra- and postoperative treatment]

We report the case of a male patient with a carcinoma of the upper third of the esophagus who presented a tracheal rupture during a transhiatal esophagectomy. The clinical picture was characterized by a severe alteration of the ventilatory function that required selective intubation and, later on, a right thoracotomy for repairing the tracheal lesion. After surgery the patient was treated at the Recovery Unit. He received high-frequency mechanic ventilation (jet ventilation type) during nine days in a attempt to decrease the risk for dehiscence of the tracheal suture and to ensure an adequate oxygenation and hemodynamic control. The clinical course was favourable.