Fatal hemothorax after thoracic epidural procedure for postoperative pain control in elderly esophageal cancer patient

Postoperative epidural analgesia after thoracotomy has been one of the most effective methods for relief of the wound pain. But, several minor complications have been alleged related to this procedure including minor hemothorax. We report here a case of catastrophic complication of the thoracic epidural catherization in an elderly patient who underwent Ivor Lewis operation because of the malignant esophageal cancer.