Thoracoscopic Management of Benign Submucosal Tumors

Abstract

Benign submucosal tumors of the esophagus are rare, with leiomyoma accounting for the majority of cases. Although the management of small asymptomatic benign submucosal tumors is debated, tumors that are symptomatic, large, or require a pathologic diagnosis to rule out malignancy should be removed, preferably by tumor enucleation. The thoracoscopic approach has been increasingly used for benign esophageal submucosal tumors and is similar to the open thoracotomy approach in many aspects without compromising successful exposure, mobilization, or tumor enucleation. Thoracoscopic enucleation has been demonstrated to be a technically feasible and safe alternative to the traditional thoracotomy, with shorter hospital stays, less postoperative pain, and no difference in functional outcomes.