Surgical complications after the transthoracic operationfor esophageal cancer mainly include anastomaticfistula,thoraco-stomach fistula,stenosis of anastomosis,gastric perforation,gastric volvulus,diaphragmatic hernia,wound infection,and some other pulmonarycomplications.Unfortunately,there are few reports aboutthe complications caused by position change of the chesttube until now.We presented an unusual case of a patientwho underwent a transthoracic operation for esophagealcancer in our department on August 17,2006,and a lot ofintragastric material was found in his chest tube 17 dayslater,endoscopic examination suggested that the chesttube had inserted into the stomach.We tried to discuss theetiology and clinical management for this case as well. Surgical complications after the transthoracic operation for esophageal cancer mainly include anastomatic fistula, thoraco-stomach fistula, stenosis of anastomosis, gastric perforation, gastric volvulus, diaphragmatic hernia, wound infection, and some other pulmonary complications. Unfortunately few there are reports about the complications caused by position change of the chesttube until now. We presented an unusual case of a patientwho underwent a transthoracic operation for esophageal cancer in our department on August 17, 2006, and a lot ofintragastric material was found in his chest tube 17 dayslater, endoscopic examination suggested that the chesttube had inserted into the stomach. We tried to discuss theetiology and clinical management for this case as well.