Abstract Background Sentinel lymph node navigated surgery (SNNS) has been adopted for various cancers to reduce the negative impact of lymphadenectomy. Limited lymph node dissection using SNNS might be employed in the management of clinically lymph node negative early esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (EGJAC). However, it must be sure that sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) reflect the patient's overall pN status. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and safety of SNNS using near-infrared fluorescence imaging and to obtain preliminary data about sensitivity of prediction of lymph node metastasis using SNNS. Methods Patients with cT1-2cN0 EGJAC without neoadjuvant therapy were prospectively included. One patient was enrolled after non-radical endoscopic resection of a high-risk pT1 tumor. Solution of indocyanine green (ICG) and 10% human serum albumin (ICG concentration 1,25mg/mL) was injected endoscopically into the submucosal layer at four quadrants (á 0.5mL) around the tumor or endoscopic resection scar just before the surgery. Subsequently, SLNs were identified and removed laparoscopically using fluorescence imaging. Then, esophagectomy or gastrectomy with radical lymphadenectomy were performed in all patients. Results A total of nine patients underwent SNNS followed by radical surgery. Histopathology revealed pT0pN0 in 1 patient, pT1bN0 in 3 patients, pT1bN3 in 1 patient, pT2pN1 in 2 patients, pT3pN0 in 1 patient and pT3pN2 in 1 patient. Overall, 62 SLNs were detected (median 7 SLNs per patient, range 1-16). Metastases in SLNs were found in four patients. All patients with pathologically positive lymph nodes had at least one SLN positive for metastasis. Sensitivity of prediction of pN positive status was 100%, false negative rate was 0%. There were no ICG-related adverse events or complications associated with SNNS procedure. Conclusion These results suggest that SNNS using ICG and fluorescence imaging in early EGJAC is feasible and safe. Our pilot data show promising diagnostic accuracy of predicting pathological lymph node status using SNNS. However, further studies with a larger number of patients are needed before introducing SNNS into clinical practice.