Endoscopic treatment for submucosal tumors of the esophagus: studies in 25 patients.

Twenty-five patients with submucosal tumor of the esophagus were treated endoscopically. All patients underwent submucosography. The tumors were classified as intra-luminal or intra-mural types according to growth pattern. Twenty tumors were resected using electrocautery in single sessions. Another 5 lesions (more than 20 mm in diameter) were subjected to absolute ethanol injections in multiple sessions to necrotize the tissue, after the overlying mucosa was stripped off by electrocautery. These procedures were not accompanied with serious complications such as perforation or massive bleeding. Oozing bleeding occurred in 3 patients, which was easily stopped by topical injection of absolute ethanol with an endoscope. Esophageal stenosis did not occur. Local reccurence of a submucosal tumor was found in a patient after 14 months, and was retreated successfully. Although the wall of the esophagus is thinner than that of the stomach, endoscopic treatment for a submucosal tumor of the esophagus can be performed safely. Submucosography and endoscopic ultrasonography reveals the extent of the tumor in relation to the esophageal wall thickness. These examinations are helpful in preventing complications. Endoscopic treatment for submucosal tumors using electrocautery and topical injection of absolute ethanol were effective and safe.