Chinese expert consensus on cervical lymph node dissection technology of thoracic esopha⁃geal cancer (2024 edition)

To better guide the cervical lymph node dissection for thoracic esophageal squa⁃mous cell carcinoma, the Esophageal Cancer Professional Committee of China Anti‑Cancer Association organizes experts in related fields in China to form the Chinese Expert Consensus On Cervical Lymph Node Dissection Technology Of Thoracic Esophageal Cancer (2024 Edition) (hereinafter referred to as the consensus) after discussion and modification. The consensus outlines the anatomy and surgical techniques of cervical lymph node dissection, summarizes the complications and their management strategies. It aims to standardize the cervical lymph node dissection technology of thoracic esopha⁃geal cancer by clinical physicians.