Objective To study the manageable methods, effect of early use of enteral nutrition after operations on esophageal cancer patients. Methods By different way of nutritional support after operation, 209 cases of esophageal cancer were divided into two groups in which enteral nutrition（EN） group,146 cases, were managed with early use of nutritional support through intestine and parenteral nutrition（PN） group, 63 cases, were given nutrition by way of veins. Complications, general recovery and blood biochemical criteria after operation between those two groups were compared. Results No cases of anastomotic fistula occurred in the two groups. The incidence of complications in EN group was significantly lower than that in PN group（P〈0.01）, and the occurrence of diarrhea was higher in EN group （P=0. 000）. The time needed for recovery of bowel sounds, anal exsufflation, defecation and hospital stay was shorter and hospital fee lower in EN group than those in PN group（P=0. 000）. The total amount of gastrointestinal and closed thoracic drainages decreased more significantly in EN group （P= 0. 000） and the value of albumin, globulin and total protein was significantly higher also in EN group （P = 0. 000）. But the amount of BUN, creatinine and neutrophil was significantly lower in EN group （P = 0. 000）. Conclusion Early use of enteral nutrition after operation on esophageal cancer is safe, effective and practical, with more significant advantages than those of parenteral nutrition.