De-epithelialization for esophageal cyst by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery monitored by esophagoscopy

In a 26-year-old male a congenital esophageal cyst was de-epithelialized using electro-cauterization via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) together with esophagoscopy. As the cyst adhered firmly to the esophageal muscle layer and mucosa, partial excision of the cyst and burning up of the cystic mucosa by electro-cauterization was performed to prevent esophageal mucosal perforation and postoperative esophageal dysmotility. Intraoperative video esophagoscopic monitoring enabled esophageal mucosal perforation to be avoided. Postoperative barium esophagography revealed good esophageal motility, and the patient showed no symptoms of esophageal dysmotility. We conclude that de-epithelialization for congenital esophageal cysts using VATS together with esophagoscopy is a minimally damaging and reasonable curative procedure without postoperative complications.