[Re-operation for Intrathoracic Complications after Surgery for Thoracic Esophageal Cancer (Chylothorax, Trachea-bronchial Fistula, Post-operative Bleeding)].

Post-operative complications in thoracic esophageal cancer surgery occurred in more than 40% of patients, of which intrathoracic complications are the most serious complications and may require re-operation. Surgeons require a high degree of judgment, skill, and experience at all stages for surgical indications, surgical procedures, and post-operative managements, because re-operation puts a great degree of stress on the patient's mind and body. This article focuses the relatively common post-operative complications that require re-operation, chylothorax, tracheal/bronchial fistula, and post-operative bleeding. The key point of surgery for chylothorax is to identify the site of chylothorax by lymphangiography. The key points of surgery for tracheal and bronchial fistulas are intraoperative and post-operative respi ratory management and reliable covering of the fistula using latissimus dorsi or pectoralis major muscle flaps. The key point of surgery for post-operative bleeding is to reliably identify the point of bleeding and perform hemostasis without damaging the reconstructed gastro-intestinal tract. Surgeons are needed to acquire the knowledge and skills of how to perform re-operation at an appropriate time and method.