title: Robot assisted thoracoscopic resection of giant esophageal leiomyoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Esophageal leiomyoma represents the most common benign esophageal tumor. Robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has provided ability to remove it successfully using a minimally invasive approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 63-year old female with history of chronic chest pain presented with an esophageal mass on chest CT and endoscopic ultrasound. Robot-assisted surgery was performed using three robot arms, a camera and an assistant port. A 10cm leiomyoma was enucleated and removed through a 2cm myotomy. Completion endoscopy confirmed integrity of the esophagus. Patient's chest pain resolved postoperatively, and she was discharged on postoperative day 3.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our case describes successful removal of the giant esophageal leiomyoma (10cm) by robot assisted minimally invasive resection through a 2cm myotomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of robot allows for removal of large esophageal leiomyoma. The improved dexterity and patient outcome offered by robot suggests its potential as the mainstay technique for giant esophageal leiomyoma removal.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Steven D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Compean
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Puja
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gaur
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Electronic address: mpkim@houstonmethodist.org.
authors.forename: Min P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Esophageal leiomyoma; Minimally invasive surgery; Robot assisted thoracoscopic surgery