A 43-year-old woman was referred to the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital in August 2016 with a 10-year history of hepatolithiasis. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen demonstrated multiple stones in the right posterior portion of the liver, the common biliary duct, and the gallbladder. Dilatation and inflammation of both intra-and extra-hepatic ducts were apparent and an elective right hepatectomy along with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was arranged. Preoperative physical examination was normal apart from hypertension (168/105 mm Hg). Laboratory tests revealed a microcytic, hypochromic anaemia (haemoglobin, 97 g/L), hyperuricaemia, and mildly elevated alkaline phosphatase. Liver/renal function, clotting profile, chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram were all normal. General anaesthesia was induced intravenously with propofol and remifentanil using a target-controlled infusion (Marsh model) under the guidance of the Bispectral Index monitoring system (Covidien, Boulder [CO], US). Tracheal intubation was performed following administration of rocuronium and anaesthesia maintained intravenously with intermittent positive pressure ventilation in oxygen and air. The patient was positioned for right internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation.Pre-insertion sonographic evaluation of the right cervical region (SonoSite M-Turbo, Bothell [WA], US) using a linear, high-frequency transducer (HFL38, 6-13 MHz) revealed only a single pulsatile vessel that was non-compressible and suggestive of the right carotid artery. The characteristic pulsatile blood flow was confirmed by Doppler. There was no evidence of the right IJV despite repositioning of the patient's head, use of minimal pressure on the probe with colour flow mapping, and the application of Valsalva manoeuvre. Ultrasonography of the left side showed normal anatomy with good size of IJV. Following a brief discussion, the consultant anaesthetist and the surgeon decided to proceed with surgery without a central venous catheter. At the end of liver resection, the patient began to develop hypotension that was marginally responsive to fluid