Minimally invasive surgical enucleation for esophageal leiomyoma: Report of seven cases

Abstract

Benign esophageal tumor is a rare entity, with leiomyoma being the most common lesion. We present our experience with enucleation of esophageal leiomyomas using a minimally invasive approach. Between March 1998 and June 2008, seven patients with esophageal leiomyoma underwent right thoracosopic enucleation (n = 4) or laparoscopic transhiatal enucleation (n = 3). A Dor (n = 2) or Toupet fundoplication (n = 1) were added for laparoscopic procedure. The mean tumor size was 3.9 cm (range, 1.5-5.5 cm). Tumor locations were upper (n = 2), middle (n = 1), and lower (n = 4) thirds of the esophagus. No major morbidities including postoperative leakage or mortalities occurred. At a mean follow-up period of 60.1 months (range, 14-260 months), no evidence of recurrences were observed. Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic transhiatal enucleation for esophageal leiomyomas is a safe and feasible procedure. The optimal approaches should be tailored based on the location and size of the tumor. Journal compilation. © 2010, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.