ObjectiveTo summarize the management of anastomotic leak following surgery for esophageal carcinoma. Methods The medical records of the patients developing digestive tract leak after surgery for esophageal carcinoma in our hospital from January 2003 to March 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Results A total of 36 patients were included

in whom 13 developed cervical anastomotic leak

18 had intra-thoracic anastomotic leak

and 5 had intra-thoracic gastric necrosis. Of these patients

7 were treated with resurgery

6 with esophageal stent implantation

and 23 with conservative treatment. Treatment lasted for 5 to 181 days

averagely 47.0?31.9 days. After management

9 patients died (25.0%). Among seven patients with resurgery

four had deceased

two were cured

and one developed leak again and was switched to conservative treatment until discharged. All the 6 patients treated with stent implantation were cured. Of the 24 patients receiving conservative treatment (including one switched from resurgery)

18 (75.0%) were cured and 1 was not cured but survived. Conclusions Anastomotic leak following surgery for esophageal carcinoma should be treated individually based on the onset time

location

size

and extent of the leakage. Conservative treatment is still a safe and effective method. The efficacy of stent implantation needs further investigation to confirm.