Thoracoscopic enucleation of esophageal leiomyomas: a feasible and safe procedure

Abstract

In recent years, minimally invasive approaches have been introduced, providing thoracoscopic/laparoscopic techniques in the treatment of esophageal leiomyomas. We determined the technical feasibility and patient safety of thoracoscopic enucleation of esophageal leiomyomas by evaluation of 10 consecutive patients undergoing this procedure. For the surgical approach, a four-trocar access via the right pleural cavity in single-lung ventilation was chosen. All minimally invasive procedures were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. Every tumor was completely resected without opening of the mucosa. No relevant intra- or postoperative complications were detected. These data suggest that thoracoscopic enucleation is a feasible and safe procedure for esophageal leiomyomas.