ObjectiveTo study the effect of preoperative oral administration of olive oil in the patients with laparoscopic resection of esophageal carcinoma and to expose the advantages of alimentary duct in operation. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 136 patients in our hospital from June 2013 through June 2015 year. There were 83 males and 53 females at age of 58.3±7.6 years. The patients were given oral olive oil 100 ml at preoperative 12 hours. ResultsAll patients completed surgery successfully without transfer to open chest. Operation of thoracic duct filling was transparent, milky white, and with clear exposure. Thoracic duct was retained successfully in the 131 patients. It was found that intraoperative injury during separation of thoracic duct due to tumor invasion in 5 patients. These patients were treated with by titanium clipping. All the patients were with chest tube drainage for 3-5 d. Average drainage volume at postoperative 24 hours was 150±35 ml. Postoperative total drainage volume was 500±130 ml. None of postoperative chylothorax was found. Postoperative average hospitalization time was 9±2 d. ConclusionEsophageal cancer preoperative oral administration of olive oil is simple, safe, effective, no injury, and with clear exposure in thoracic duct in operation. Injury of the thoracic duct is reduced. The integrity of thoracic duct is preserved. Normal glucose and lipid metabolism is retained. Therefore, it is a good choice in preoperative preparation for esophageal cancer patients. It is worth popularization and application.