Patients with histologically proven squamous cell esophageal cancer Patients with resectable cT1-T3/N0-N1 mid or distal third (inferior to carina and 3cm superior to cardia ) operable esophageal lesion. Staging investigations including esophagogastroscopy, chest and abdominal CT scan, barium swallow and s Karnofsky performance status greater than or equal to 80% Pulmonary and cardiac function must be acceptable for surgery according to institutional standards.