Whether upper esophageal cancer can be operated also depends on the TNM staging of the cancer, stage Ⅳ and part of stage Ⅲ can not be operated, for early and middle stage patients, surgical treatment is the first choice of treatment for removing esophageal cancer. Indications for surgery for esophageal cancer are stage I, II and some stage III esophageal cancer; recurrence after radiotherapy, no distant metastasis and those who are in good general condition and can tolerate surgery; and those who have good cardiopulmonary function reserve; contraindications to surgery include stage Ⅳ and some stage Ⅲ esophageal cancer as well as those who have poor cardiopulmonary function and can not tolerate surgery. Surgical methods can be chosen as simple left thoracotomy, esophageal hiatus blunt esophageal extraction, and so on. When diagnosed with esophageal cancer, one should consult a doctor in time and choose the appropriate treatment under the comprehensive evaluation of a professional doctor in order to maximize the quality of life.