Objective To explore an effective and minimal invasive drainage procedure for intrathoracic anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy. Method A total of 14 patients (10 males and 4 females, aged 48 to 70 years) with encapsulated effusion due to thoracic anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy were performed accurate thoracic drainage which was guided by ultrasonography in Renji Hospital from January 2012 through December 2014. The J shape flexible catheter was placed into the effusion cavity near the leakage. Gasric drainage and enteral nutrition support were conducted as well. Result All the patients with leakage healed smoothly. The hospital stay was 27 to 94 days. Time of drainage was 17 to 89 days. The drainage volume was 5-260 ml per day. No complication related to drainage occurred. Conclusion Placing the J shape flexible catheter for plural drainage guided by ultrasonography or chest CT scan is a desirable and less injured therapy for intrathoracic leakage after esophagectomy.