Background Leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor of the esophagus; if malignancy can be ruled out preoperatively, minimally invasive treatment can be performed either thoraco-scopically or laparoscopically. Methods We report on two cases, where we resected a midesophagus tumor by a thoracoscopic and a distal esophageal tumor by a laparoscopic approach under endoscopic assistance during the resection procedure. By this thoracoscopic-endoscopic and laparoscopic-endoscopic rendezvous procedure uncomplicated resection was performed and perforation was avoided. Conclusion Minimally invasive surgical therapy is recommended for the resection of benign submucosal tumors of the esophagus. Tumors located in the middle and distal third can easily be resected. Endoscopic control with rendezvous technique during the operation is recommended to avoid mucosal injury.