Laparoscopic resection of an extraesophageal leiomyoma presenting as an intra-abdominal mass

Leiomyomas comprise fewer than 1% of esophageal neoplasms. Only 2% of leiomyomas are extraesophageal, and the remainder are intramural or intraluminal. A presumed intra-abdominal mass found at diagnostic laparoscopy was discovered to be an extraesophageal leiomyoma. Esophageal leiomyoma enucleation is most commonly accomplished via a thoracotomy. Increasingly, thoracoscopy has been used. An open transhiatal approach has also been described. Our patient underwent an uncomplicated transhiatal laparoscopic esophageal leiomyoma resection and benefited from the commonly recognized advantages associated with minimally invasive surgery.