The goal of this observational study is to develop a predictive model for left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) lymph node metastasis using deep learning algorithms. The model will be developed using clinical data from previous esophageal cancer surgeries, including preoperative CT imaging, and histopathological images from gastroscopic biopsies. The model will also be validated through prospective clinical trials to guide the intraoperative lymph node dissection, thereby reducing postoperative risks of RLN injury.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preoperative gastroscopic biopsy confirmed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma；
• The patient underwent esophagectomy with lymph nodes dissection along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The patient's medical records are incomplete；
• The patient refused to participate in the trial.

The patients included were all esophageal cancer patients who received surgery and standard lymph node dissection in our hospital.

Datasets and codes for the study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.