The extent of lymphadenectomy for carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus remains debatable. A prospective study was initiated in August 1994 to evaluate the patterns of nodal spread after esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection. The hospital mortality rate was 3.3%. Nodal metastases occurred in 73% (22/30) of patients. The most commonly affected nodal groups were the lesser curvature nodes (57%), parahiatal nodes (42%), and the right recurrent nodes (35%). Cervical nodal metastasis occurred in 10 patients (35%) irrespective of tumor location or T status. The cervical field of dissection was as likely as the mediastinum to be a site of nodal disease. These findings should be considered when the operative strategy for esophageal carcinoma is planned.