Early oral feeding after esophagectomy is safe and leads to better recovery outcomes.

• No increase in anastomotic leakage (risk ratio 0.89) noted.
• Early feeding significantly reduces pneumonia (risk ratio 0.66) and accelerates gastrointestinal recovery—first bowel movement and flatus occur about half a day earlier.
• Hospital stays shortened by nearly two days (1.89 days) with associated lower costs.

Consider implementing early feeding protocols to enhance patient recovery while maintaining safety.