ObjectiveTo investigate the application value of modified gastric tube in surgery for mid- and lowerthoracic esophageal cancer compared with gastric tube. MethodsA total of 221 patients with mid- and lower-thoracic esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy between October 2009 and June 2013 in our hospital were recruited in the study. They were randomly divided into a modified gastric tube group (n=108) and a gastric tube group (n=113). There were 67 males and 41 females at age of 63.50±6.75 years (ranged 47-73 years) in the modified gastric tube group, including 62 cases of middle esophageal cancer and 46 cases of lower esophageal cancer. There were 69 males and 44 females at age of 63.38±7.21 years (ranged 49 to 76 years) in the gastric tube group, including 68 cases of middle esophageal cancer and 45 cases of lower esophageal cancer. The results of surgery and morbidities were recorded. The respiratory functions were recorded at 3 days before surgery, 1 week and 4 weeks after surgery, respectively. ResultsAll surgeries were successfully performed in two groups. There was 1 case of death and 1 case of anastomotic leakage in the gastric tube group. There was no death or anastomotic leakage occurred in the modified gastric tube group. There was statistical difference in the operation time between the modified gastric tube group and the gastric tube group (150.65±11.88 min vs. 174.58±11.99 min, P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in the amount of bleeding during operation or the length of hospital stay between two groups (P>0.05). There were no statistical differences in respiratory function between two groups at 1 week or 4 weeks after surgery (P>0.05). ConclusionFor patients with mid- and lower-thoracic esophageal cancer, modified gastric tube has a good clinical application value compared with gastric tube. It is easy and safe, and can decrease the operation time without aggravation of pulmonary function after operation. It is a better esophagus reconstruction method in esophagectomy for mid- and lower-thoracic esophageal cancer in primary hospitals.