Esophageal cancer is ranked 7th in mortality among cancer-related deaths and classified as the 11th most common cause of cancer (Bray et al., CA Cancer J Clin 74:229–263, 2024). It is classified by two main histological types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Both types of malignancy differ in regard to incidence, etiology, risk factors, and population affected. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma has been associated with smoking, heavy alcohol use, red meat consumption, hot beverage drinking, poor oral health, low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, and low socioeconomic status. Obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Barrett’s esophagus have been recognized as high-risk factors for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. There are several conditions and lesions that are considered premalignant and may lead to the development of esophageal carcinoma. Esophageal cancer is 3–4 times more common among males than in females and slightly deadlier in men than women. The most common presenting symptom is dysphagia. Most patients present not with premalignant or early-stage disease but with advanced locoregional or metastatic disease. Accurate histopathological diagnosis and staging are crucial in determining the adequate management of patients with esophageal cancer. There are a wide variety and combination of treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, endoscopic procedures, and surgery. Major morbidity after esophagectomy can reach up to 59% with pulmonary complications, atrial arrythmias, and anastomotic leak being among the most reported complications (Low et al., Ann Surg 269:291–298, 2019). Esophagogastric anastomotic leak accounts for 40% of postoperative fatalities after esophagectomy. The incidence ranges from 4% to 17%, and the etiology is multifactorial. The 5-year survival rate for patients able to undergo resection is about 47%, and despite aggressive multimodality therapy regimens, many patients suffer distant failure at the time of diagnosis of recurrent disease.