Purpose Pulmonary complications continue to be the major cause of morbidity and mortality after esophageal resection. The aim of this study was to compare and analyze retrospectively the factors which effect for postoperative pulmonary complications in patients who underwent curative resection for esophageal cancer. Material and Method A total of 118 patients were enrolled in the study from January 1994 to March 2009, and patients with previous neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy were excluded. Of the total 118 patients, 27 patients developed pulmonary complications within 30 days of their operation. the factors which effect for postoperative pulmonary complications were compared and analyzed. Results There were 7 patients in-hospital deaths. 51 patients (43.2%) developed complications, and of them, the most common complication was pulmonary complication and occurred in 27 patients (22.9%). In univariate analysis, diabetes mellitus, cervical anastomosis through the retrosternal route, old age and poor lung function were risk factors contributing to postoperative pulmonary complications (p<0.05). In multivariate analysis, statistically significant factor was old age (65 years or older). Conclusion Clinical factor for the pulmonary complications after esophagectomy of esophageal cancer was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus, cervical anastomosis through the retrosternal route, old age (65 years or older) and poor lung function (FEV1<80%). Of these, old age was the most significant factor.