Abstract: Objective :To summarize our surgical experience with ligation of the thoracic ductduring esophagectomy to prevent chylothorax on 1 031 cases with esophageal carcinoma. Methods :During surgery, the thoracic duct was preventively ligated en bloc with the azygos vein and surroundingtissues at 5cm above the diaphragm. Results :In the 1 031 cases there is no postoperative chylothorax. Conclusion :It is safe and reliable to apply the low- set and supradiaphragmatic en bloc ligation of sur-rounding tissues with the thoracic duct for prevention of chylothorax following esophagectomy.