Enucleation of esophageal leiomyoma by video-assisted thoracic surgery

Thoracoscopic enucleation of benign distal esophageal leiomyoma is a minimally-invasive procedure that is comprised of four basic steps: (1) port placement and exposure, (2) dissection, (3) reconstruction, and (4) drain placement and closure. The procedure can be performed with minimal perioperative pain, excellent morbidity and mortality, and a high-degree of patient satisfaction. Some patients may experience mild dysphagia or dyspepsia in the postoperative interval, which is managed medically with proton pump inhibitors or surgically with antireflux repair.