Abstract
We experienced a case of membranous tracheal damage in transhiatal (blunt) esophagectomy without thoracotomy. We tried to advance the endotracheal tube into the bronchus, but could not. Hence, the damaged portion was closed up to ventilate the lungs by surgeon's fingers and then gauze. After repositioning for right thoracotomy, ventilation was failed again because the gauze on the damaged portion slipped off and we had not advanced the endotracheal tube into the distal bronchus. 100% oxygen flush-flow had been given to the patient until the thoracotomy was finished, it is essential that a endotracheal tube be advanced into the distal trachea or bronchus when a tracheal injury occurs.
