Thoracoscopic enucleation of benign tumors of the esophagus under simultaneous flexible esophagoscopy

Abstract

Background: Benign tumors of the esophagus are very rare, accounting for only 0.1–2% of all esophageal tumors. Conventional treatment consists of thoracotomy adapted to the location of the tumor, followed by enucleation of the lesion. This approach, however, involves major surgery. Minimally invasive surgery represents a viable therapeutic alternative, in particular for benign tumors.

Methods: In four patients with a benign tumor of the esophagus, we carried out thoracoscopic enucleation under simultaneous esophagoscopy.

Results: Using this combination of endoscopic procedures, the tumors were removed reliably and safely. Two of the lesions were intramural leiomyomas, and two were intramural myxoid cysts.

Conclusion: This combination of endoscopic procedures represents a minimally invasive approach with correspondingly minor surgical trauma. Using simultaneous esophagoscopy and transillumination (diaphanoscopy) of the esophageal wall, the safety and accuracy of the dissection is increased, and the risk of mucosal perforation minimized.