Clinical usefulness of continuous central venous oxygen saturation measurement for postoperative management of patients following transthoracic esophagectomy for carcinoma

Background and objective Monitoring of central venous blood oxygen saturation (ScvO2) has recently become easier and safer to perform, but its clinical usefulness following esophagectomy has yet to be established. This study evaluated the use of continuous monitoring of ScvO2 in this setting, focusing on its relationship with hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, and reconsideration about an appropriate indication of red blood cell transfusion from the aspect of tissue oxygen balance.