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

Background: Benign tumors of the esophagus are very rare, accounting for on ly 0.1-2% of all esophageal tumors. Conventional treatment consists of thor acotomy adapted to the location of the tumor, followed by enucleation of th e lesion. This approach, however, involves major surgery. Minimally invasiv e surgery represents a viable therapeutic alternative, in particular for be nign 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 r emoved reliably and safely. Two of the lesions were intramural leiomyomas, and two were intramural myxoid cysts. Conclusion: This combination of endoscopic procedures represents a minimall y invasive approach with correspondingly minor surgical trauma. Using simul taneous esophagoscopy and transillumination (diaphanoscopy) of the esophage al wall, the safety and accuracy of the dissection is increased, and the ri sk of mucosal perforation minimized.