[Video-assisted thoracoscopic removal of esophageal leiomyomas with intraoperative tumor location by endoscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize our experience with video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) removal of esophageal leiomyoma located with endoscopy during operation. METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2010, 55 patients with esophageal leiomyoma underwent VATS enucleation. The surgical procedure was similar to that of open thoracotomy with intraoperative endoscopic location of the tumor and examination of the mucosal integrity especially for tumors less than 1 cm in diameter. RESULTS: Of the 55 patients undergoing VATS tumor removal, 54 patients completed the procedures smoothly, and 1 patient experienced ventricular fibrillation during the operation to require an open thoracotomy. Endoscopy was used in 38 patients during the operation. VATS enucleation differed significantly from open thoracotomy in the volume of bleeding, postoperative fasting days and postoperative hospital stay (P<0.05). The symptoms were completely relieved after the operation without postoperative complications. The patients were followed up for 8 to 59 months (mean 23.0 months) and no recurrence was found. CONCLUSION: VATS removal of esophageal leiomyomas is minimally invasive, safe and effective and can serve as the primary option for surgical removal of esophageal leiomyomas.