During the first six months after surgery, patients in the experimental group will use a WeChat mini-program to proactively self-report their symptoms regularly using the Chinese version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for Esophageal Cancer (MDASI-EC). Based on the reported scores and the pre-defined algorithms in the "Post-Esophagectomy Symptom Grading Management Manual", the system will automatically provide personalized self-management guidance for low-grade symptoms. For more severe symptoms, the system will generate alerts to prompt dedicated study nurses to initiate proactive telephone follow-up and provide tailored health coaching.

Patients in the control group will receive standard post-discharge care as per hospital protocol, which includes routine discharge education and instructions to contact the hospital if problems arise. They will not use the WeChat mini-program and will not receive proactive symptom monitoring or coaching calls.

During the first six months after surgery, patients in the experimental group will use a WeChat mini-program to proactively self-report their symptoms regularly using the Chinese version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for Esophageal Cancer (MDASI-EC). Based on the reported scores and the pre-defined algorithms in the "Post-Esophagectomy Symptom Grading Management Manual", the system will automatically provide personalized self-management guidance for low-grade symptoms. For more severe symptoms, the system will generate alerts to prompt dedicated study nurses to initiate proactive telephone follow-up and provide tailored health coaching.

Primary outcome was the proportion of patients with any of three esophageal cancer-specific symptoms (reflux, dysphagia, eating difficulty) rated ≥4 on the MDASI-EC at 12 weeks after surgery. This composite endpoint was selected based on our prior symptom trajectory studies, as these three symptoms are the most common and most distressing after esophagectomy.