Thoracoscopic enucleation of an esophageal leiomyoma with balloon dilator assistance

In consideration of the fact that procedures performed thoracoscopically cause less operative trauma and postoperative pain than those performed through an open thoracotomy, we believe that thoracoscopy should replace thoracotomy for the extraluminal transthoracic resection of benign esophageal tumors. We describe herein a new videothoracoscopic technique for performing the enucleation of an esophageal leiomyoma with balloon dilator assistance. The use of the balloon dilator facilitates separation of the tumor from both the mucosal and muscular layers of the esophagus, and may help to prevent perforation.