Esophageal myectomy for recurrent multiple leiomyomas of the esophagus: manometric and cineradiographic documentation

This is a report of recurrent multiple leiomyomas of the esophagus treated initially by enucleation and subsequently by myectomy of the involved portion of the esophagus to prevent further recurrence. Experimental studies support the clinical observation that the esophagus will function as a conduit for food in the absence of an orderly progression of peristalsis. Preservation of hilar truncal vagus nerve function must be accomplished if normal lower esophageal sphincter function is to be maintained. We believe this is the first report of deliberate esophageal myectomy in a human patient with manometric and cineradiographic documentation of satisfactory function postoperatively. Limited myectomy may be considered, as circumstances require, in the treatment of multiple esophageal leiomyomas, although enucleation remains the treatment of choice.