Abstract
BACKGROUND: Resection of primary esophageal cancer following previous pneumonectomy is a challenging procedure and was scarcely reported. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report a case in which reduced thoracic space was used in left transthoracic esophagectomy to counter the difficulties caused by previous left pneumonectomy. CONCLUSION: Retrograde dissection and infra-diaphragmatic esophagogastric anastomosis are examples of using postpneumonectomy changes to facilitate subsequent transthoracic esophagectomy for cancers of the lower esophagus.