Is the placement of jejunostomy tubes in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy associated with increased inpatient healthcare utilization? An analysis of the National Readmissions Database

•Jejunostomy tubes placed at the time of esophagectomy do not decrease postoperative complications or readmissions.•Patients undergoing esophagectomy with jejunostomy tube placement are at lower risk for inpatient mortality.•Jejunostomy tube-related complications are a relatively rare cause of inpatient readmission after esophagectomy.