Abstract: Objective To assess the intervention effect of stabilizing technique on mental stress in esophageal carcinoma patients during perioperation. Methods Sixty-seven patients with pathology-confirmed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma admitted to our hospital from May 2011 to May 2012 were randomly divided into control group (n=32) and intervention group (n=35). Another 65 healthy persons served as a control group. Mental condition in control group was assessed. Subjects in control group received surgical treatment and routine care. Patients in intervention group received mental intervention of stabilizing technique during perioperation in addition to the treatment in control group. Results The average depression and anxiety scores were significantly higher in intervention group than in control group (22.623±7.670 vs 6.285±1.741, 12.481±3.312 vs 4.040±1.332). The average depression and anxiety scores were significantly lower in intervention group than in control group after operation (5.16±1.66 vs 9.68±2.72, 9.61±2.70 vs 15.78±4.41). The depression and anxiety scores were significantly lower in intervention group after operation than before operation (5.16±1.66 vs 12.72±3.53, 9.61±2.70 vs 23.82±7.81). The sleep quality score was significantly higher in intervention group than in control group (7.58±1.78 vs 3.67±5.39) and was significantly lower in intervention group than in control group after operation(3.94±3.34 vs 6.44±1.69). Except for“use of hypnotics" and "daytime dysfunction", the other sleep quality factors showed a significant difference (P ＜ 0.05). The analgesics use time, self-expectoration time, bed time and hospital stay time were significantly shorter whereas the scores of appetite, pain, family understanding and cooperation and disease were significantly higher in intervention group than in control group after operation (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion Stabilizing technique can improve the postoperative mental stress, rehabilitation and quality of life of esophageal carcinoma patients.