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


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Pross
M
M
Department of Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Strasse 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
Manger
T
T
Wolff
S
S
Kahl
S
S
Lippert
H
H
D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / Q000379:methods*