ObjectiveTo explore the effect of clinical pathway in peri-operative nursing management of patients with esophageal carcinoma. MethodsA total of 120 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent the operation between January 2010 and April 2012 were divided into control group and trial group. the patients in control group was given conventional esophageal carcinoma peri-operative management; while the ones in the trial group received clinical pathway standardized management. The hospitalization days, costs of hospitalization, complications, satisfaction of the patients and families were compared between the two groups. ResultsThe length of hospitalization days and costs in the trial group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01); the patients and families satisfaction in the trial group was superior to the control group (P<0.05); the difference in complications occurrence between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05). ConclusionThe clinical pathway of peri-operative nursing management for patients with esophageal cancer could effectively decrease the costs, improve satisfaction of the patients and families, and ensure the quality of care and improve the nursing efficiency.