Surgical oesophageal transection for uncontrolled variceal bleeding is a last resort measure that is rarely needed due to modern endoscopic advancements. Since it is infrequently required, most of the younger General Surgeons have not been exposed to this procedure. However, it remains a valuable consideration when endoscopic measures and balloon tamponade fail to control bleeding oesophageal varices and should remain in the armamentarium of the General Surgeon. Here we present a case of such a patient who underwent oesophageal transection as a life-saving procedure with satisfactory outcome, together with a brief literature review on this topic.