Abstract

Abstract Enucleation is surgically or endoscopically performed for submucosal tumors of the esophagus, especially for esophageal leiomyoma. Enucleation for large and circumferential tumors is technically challenging given a higher risk of mucosal injury and/or tumor rupture during procedure. We present a case of giant leiomyoma with a maximal diameter of 8 cm successfully enucleated by laparoscopic and thoracoscopic approaches. A 24-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a mediastinal tumor suspected on chest X-ray. He suffered from heartburn for more than 10 years and recently dysphagia. Endoscopic examination revealed esophageal submucosal tumors located at 30 cm to 35 cm from the incisor, involving whole luminal circumference. Boring biopsies were endoscopically performed of which pathological diagnosis was esophageal leiomyoma. CT showed wall thickening in the lower esophagus with a maximal esophageal diameter of 8 cm. Giant esophageal tumor enucleation with antireflux fundoplication was performed using both laparoscopy and thoracoscopy. The tumor expanded circumferential shape with the longitudinal extent of approximately 8 cm. After tumor enucleation, the esophageal mucosa was circumferentially exposed from the level of the azygos vein to the esophagogastric junction without the muscle layer. The esophageal mucosal injury occurred in 3 places, which were repaired by primary closure using absorbable threads. The operation time was 827 minutes and the loss of blood was 230 mL. The specimen was 160 g, and the final pathological diagnosis was leiomyoma. Postoperative course was not eventful. We experienced a case of enucleation for a giant esophageal circumferential submucosal tumor. Enucleation may be considered a possible treatment strategy to avoid esophagectomy even for a giant circumferential tumor especially in young patients.

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