Esophagectomy is also occasionally performed for benign disease such as esophageal atresia in children, achalasia, or caustic injury.

[citation needed] In those who have had an esophagectomy for cancer, omentoplasty (a procedure in which part of the greater omentum is used to cover or fill a defect, augment arterial or portal venous circulation, absorb effusions, or increase lymphatic drainage) appears to improve outcomes.

After surgery, patients may have trouble with a regular diet and may have to consume softer foods, avoid liquids at meals, and stay upright for 1–3 hours after eating.

Jejunal feeding tubes may be placed during surgery to provide a temporary route of nutrition until oral eating resumes.

Anesthesia for an esophagectomy is also complex, owing to the problems with managing the patient's airway and lung function during the operation.