Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for local recurrence of esophageal carcinoma. Methods Clinical data about 52 patients with local recurrence of esophageal carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed.Of the 52 patients,12 had local recurrence of esophageal carcinoma in anastomosis,35 had local recurrence of esophageal carcinoma accompanying mediastinal lymphatic metasrasis,and 5 local recurrence of esophageal carcinoma accompanying supraclavicular lymphatic metastasis.The patients were received three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy with a total radiation dose of 55-66Gy. Results The total effective rate of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy was 73.1% for local recurrence of esophageal carcinoma.The 1-and 2-year survival rate was 51.9% and 25%,respectively.The symptom-ameliorated rate was 88.6%. Conclusion Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy is effective against local recurrence of esophageal carcinoma after operation and can prolong the survival time of esophageal carcinoma patients.