Abstract: Objective To investigate the pathogenesis of reintubation in patients undergoing esophagectomy and analyze the preventive measures of reintubation. Methods From January 2012 to December 2013， 470 patients with esophageal carcinoma were performed surgery in our department. Among them 14 patients were reintubated after esophagectomy. Their clinical data and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results 14 cases of 470 patients were reintubated， accounting for 2.98％（14／470）. From endotracheal tube removal after surgery to reintubation， the time interval were 0.5 to 360 hours， with a median time of 50 hours. 10 cases received reintubation due to respiratory failure， accounting for 71.4％（10／14）. Of 14 patients who received reintubation， 9 cases were survived. Successful treatment rate was 64.3％（9／14）. Conclusion Respiratory failure is the major cause of reintubation in patients who undergoing esophagectomy. Prevention and timely treatment of postoperative complications may avoid reintubation and its secondary injuries.