Introduction: Smoking and alcoholism has been associated for decades with esophageal cancers. They are not only etiologically associated with esophageal cancers but cause significant postoperative morbidities. Material and Methods: 150 consecutive esophageal surgeries over a period of 3 years were assessed. Immediate and delayed post surgical complications  were compared with patient characteristics, tumor characteristics, type of surgery and type of anastomosis. Relationship of immediate postoperative complications with postoperative anastomotic site stricture and recurrence were also assessed. Results: Of all the above characteristics only smoking (p–0.007, Odds ratio–3.17), alcoholism (p–0.003, Odds Ratio–4.17) and days of stay in the postoperative period (p–0.000) were significantly associated with immediate post operative complications.None of the patient, tumor characteristics or surgical techniques though important were statistically associated with post operative complications. Discussion: Chronic smoking and alcoholism not only carry a high risk of developing esophageal cancer but also associated with significant post operative complications which indirectly increases significant post operative days of stay in the hospital and hence the health care cost burden. Conclusion: Esophageal cancer surgery is a complex procedure with multiple factors associated with its increased rate of morbidity in the post operative period. However various health care measures like cessation of smoking and alcohol prior to surgery might mitigate the complication rates apart from good surgical techniques and critical care.