Objective To explore the effect of stepwise comprehensive swallowing training in patients after radical resection for esophageal cancer. Methods Two units of the department of thoracic surgery were randomized into 2 groups per cluster randomization method. Then 60 patients admitted to the 2 units were selected and enrolled into 2 groups, with 30 cases in each group. The intervention group was subjected to a stepwise comprehensive swallowing training program, while the control group was subjected to routine swallowing rehabilitation care. The time to first oral intake after surgery, swallowing function, oral intake capacity, nutrition-related indicators, and the incidence rates of dysphagia-related complications in two groups were compared between 2 groups. Results All cases completed the study in both groups. The time to first oral intake was significantly shorter and the incidence rate of dysphagia-related complications was significantly lower in the intervention group than those in the control group; the former group had better swallowing function scores and oral intake capacity scores, as well as better nutrition-related indicators, than the latter group did (P<0.05 for all). Conclusion Implementation of stepwise comprehensive swallowing training program can promote the recovery of swallowing function, improve postoperative nutritional status and reduce the incidence of dysphagia-related complications in patients after radical resection for esophageal cancer.