OBJECTIVETo investigate the application and efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of esophageal leiomyoma.

METHODSClinical data of 39 patients with esophageal leiomyoma from December 2002 to November 2008 treated by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTSVideo-assisted thoracoscopic leiomyoma enucleations were performed in 38 patients, and one patient was converted to thoracotomy to repair the esophageal mucosa because of mucosa rupture during the operation. Thirty-six patients were treated through the right chest and the other 3 cases through the left. The operation time ranged from 1 to 5 (1.2+/-0.6) h. The blood loss ranged from 30 to 100 (50+/-8.3) ml. The time of chest tube placement ranged from 1 to 4 (1.5+/-0.7) d. The drainage amount was 100 to 500 (200+/-101) ml. The hospital stay ranged from 3 to 10 (3.6+/-1.2) d. The maximal diameter of the tumor ranged from 0.8 to 6.0 (3.0+/-0.7) cm. There were no surgery-related complications or deaths except the case with esophageal mucosa rupture. There were no uncomfortable complains and tumor recurrence within the follow-up period of 1 to 72 months after operation.

CONCLUSIONVideo-assisted thoracoscopic leiomyoma enucleation is a safe and effective approach for esophageal leiomyoma.