Endoscopy 2007; 39(12): 1097-1099
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-966928
Case report

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Thoracoscopic enucleation of esophageal leiomyomas: a feasible and safe procedure

D.  Vallböhmer1 , A.  H.  Hölscher1 , J.  Brabender1 , E.  Bollschweiler1 , C.  Gutschow1
  • 1Department of Visceral and Vascular Surgery, University of Cologne, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

submitted 9 March 2007

accepted after revision 31 July 2007

Publication Date:
10 December 2007 (online)

Preview

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.

References

A. H. Hölscher, MD

Professor of Surgery
Department of Visceral and Vascular Surgery
University of Cologne

Kerpenerstr. 62
D-50937 Cologne
Germany

Fax: +49-221-4784854

Email: Arnulf.Hoelscher@uk-koeln.de