BACKGROUND: Surgical enucleation of submucosal tumors (SMTs) of the esophagus (mostly leiomyomas) is indicated when either the tumors are symptomatic or their biological behavior is unclear. The classic approach is a thoracotomy, but tumor enucleation can now also be performed via thoracoscopy or, for distal tumors, via laparoscopy. METHODS: We assessed our experience with the different approaches in a total of 25 patients (n = 13 minimally invasive approach and n = 12 open surgery). Enucleation of the SMT was the basic surgical principle; the choice of the approach was based on the preference of the surgeon. RESULTS: Compared to open surgery, the minimally invasive approach reduced pulmonary complications, hospital stay, and postoperative wound-related pain. The operating time was the same for both approaches. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive approaches are suitable for the surgical enucleation of submucosal esophageal tumors. Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic techniques are recommended as standard procedures in experienced centers.
BACKGROUND: Surgical enucleation of submucosal tumors (SMTs) of the esophagus (mostly leiomyomas) is indicated when either the tumors are symptomatic or their biological behavior is unclear. The classic approach is a thoracotomy, but tumor enucleation can now also be performed via thoracoscopy or, for distal tumors, via laparoscopy. METHODS: We assessed our experience with the different approaches in a total of 25 patients (n = 13 minimally invasive approach and n = 12 open surgery). Enucleation of the SMT was the basic surgical principle; the choice of the approach was based on the preference of the surgeon. RESULTS: Compared to open surgery, the minimally invasive approach reduced pulmonary complications, hospital stay, and postoperative wound-related pain. The operating time was the same for both approaches. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive approaches are suitable for the surgical enucleation of submucosal esophageal tumors. Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic techniques are recommended as standard procedures in experienced centers.
Authors: K Tamura; S Takamori; K Tayama; M Mitsuoka; A Hayashi; H Fujita; K Shirouzu Journal: Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Date: 1998-12 Impact factor: 1.520
Authors: Peter Ka-Fung Chiu; Philip Wai-Yan Chiu; Anthony Yuen-Bun Teoh; Simon Kin-Hung Wong; Enders Kwok-Wai Ng Journal: J Robot Surg Date: 2011-01-11
Authors: C M P Claus; A M Cury Filho; P C Boscardim; P C Andriguetto; M P Loureiro; E A Bonin Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2013-04-03 Impact factor: 4.584