Objective To create a health education booklet based on knowledge visualization，and explore the effect of utilizing the booklet in postoperative rehabilitation of esophageal cancer patients. Methods Based on the order of admission, 116 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgery were divided into two groups. The experimental group （n=58）received post-surgical health education based on the booklet compiled based on knowledge visualization by the research team. The control group （n=58）received routine post-surgical health education. The outcomes which included self-care agency, fear of disease progression, post-surgical recovery, and patient satisfaction were measured in both groups. Results The self-care agency score was significantly higher, fear of disease progression score was significantly lower, and the durations of thoracic drainage tube and gastric tube indwelling after surgery were significantly shorter, in the experimental group, than those in the control group (all P＜0.05). Conclusion Application of the health education booklet in esophageal cancer patients can enhance their satisfaction, mitigate fear of disease progression, and promote postoperative recovery.