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Mishra S, Jain N, Soni B, Bajaj D, Khetan A, Sharma B, Bhojwani R. Thoracoscopic enucleation of oesophageal submucosal tumours in prone position gives excellent long-term outcome: A single-centre experience. J Minim Access Surg 2021; 18:401-407. [PMID: 35046167 PMCID: PMC9306123 DOI: 10.4103/jmas.jmas_169_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Thoracoscopic enucleation of oesophageal leiomyomas has been adopted by many centres. The procedure when performed in prone position gives good results. The long-term outcome has not been reported earlier. This single-centre study establishes the role of this particular technique. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained hospital database was performed and after following the study criteria eleven cases of oesophageal submucosal tumours were included in the study. All patients underwent thoracoscopic enucleation in the prone position by a single surgeon. Peri-operative data were recorded and patients followed up for a mean period of 78 months (range = 24–120 months). Results: Thoracoscopic enucleation in prone position was done for all patients with no conversions to an open procedure. Two patients had a mucosal rent during dissection that was repaired. There was no post-operative morbidity greater than Clavien-Dindo Grade 2. Long-term follow-up is available for eight patients (73%) with no recurrence of disease or symptoms. Conclusion: Oesophageal submucosal tumours (predominantly leiomyomas) are benign neoplasms with an indolent biological behaviour and deserve a procedure that would serve the purpose of minimal post-operative morbidity coupled with excellent outcome. Thoracoscopic enucleation in the prone position provides a physiological benefit that translates into better peri-operative outcomes without compromising the long-term outcome and should be the preferred form of treatment for oesophageal submucosal tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Mishra
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Santokba Institute of Digestive Surgical Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Nikhil Jain
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Santokba Institute of Digestive Surgical Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Bansidhar Soni
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Santokba Institute of Digestive Surgical Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Deepak Bajaj
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Santokba Institute of Digestive Surgical Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ashish Khetan
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Santokba Institute of Digestive Surgical Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Bhuwanesh Sharma
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Santokba Institute of Digestive Surgical Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Rajesh Bhojwani
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Santokba Institute of Digestive Surgical Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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Inderhees S, Tank J, Stein HJ, Dubecz A. [Leiomyoma of the esophagus : A further indication for robotic surgery?]. Chirurg 2019; 90:125-130. [PMID: 30666360 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-019-0792-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leiomyomas of the esophagus are rare tumors but the most common benign lesion of the esophagus originating from smooth muscle cells. The symptoms are mainly determined by the size of the tumor and are caused by dysphagia and/or retrosternal pain. The majority of patients are however asymptomatic. The diagnostics include esophagoscopy, endosonography and chest computed tomography. Surgery is considered the treatment of choice and ideally involves enucleation of the tumor but may lead to esophagectomy. In addition to the classical open procedures, minimally invasive procedures are also used. Regardless of the selected procedure, a lesion of the mucosa should be avoided. OBJECTIVE A review of the literature on thoracoscopic and robotic resections in the treatment of leiomyomas was carried out and an illustration of a clinical case is presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS A review of minimally invasive surgical treatment of esophageal leiomyomas is presented. The literature search was carried out in PubMed for publications of thoracoscopic and robotic-assisted thoracic enucleation of leiomyomas of the esophagus. In addition, the robotic-assisted thoracic enucleation of a horseshoe-shaped leiomyoma in the middle third of the esophagus is described. RESULTS The enucleation of the esophageal leiomyoma was carried out through a right-sided robotic-assisted operation with one lung ventilation. The surgery time was 143 min. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. On the 3rd postoperative day a light diet was started and the thorax drainage was removed. Histopathology confirmed a leiomyoma. The patient was discharged on the 5th postoperative day and free of complaints. CONCLUSION Robotic-assisted surgery for leiomyomas of the esophagus is a safe procedure. Taking the available data into account, robotic-assisted thoracic enucleation of leiomyomas was characterized by less mucosal lesions, general complications and a lower conversion rate as well as a shorter hospital stay compared to classical thoracoscopic enucleation. Thus, robotic-assisted surgery can be the method of choice for leiomyomas of the esophagus.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Inderhees
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Thoraxchirurgie, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität Nürnberg, Prof.-Ernst-Nathan-Straße 1, 90419, Nürnberg, Deutschland.
| | - J Tank
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Thoraxchirurgie, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität Nürnberg, Prof.-Ernst-Nathan-Straße 1, 90419, Nürnberg, Deutschland
| | - H J Stein
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Thoraxchirurgie, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität Nürnberg, Prof.-Ernst-Nathan-Straße 1, 90419, Nürnberg, Deutschland
| | - A Dubecz
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Thoraxchirurgie, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität Nürnberg, Prof.-Ernst-Nathan-Straße 1, 90419, Nürnberg, Deutschland
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Bencini L, Moraldi L, Bartolini I, Coratti A. Esophageal surgery in minimally invasive era. World J Gastrointest Surg 2016; 8:52-64. [PMID: 26843913 PMCID: PMC4724588 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v8.i1.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread popularity of new surgical technologies such as laparoscopy, thoracoscopy and robotics has led many surgeons to treat esophageal diseases with these methods. The expected benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) mainly include reductions of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and pain and better cosmetic results. All of these benefits could potentially be of great interest when dealing with the esophagus due to the potentially severe complications that can occur after conventional surgery. Moreover, robotic platforms are expected to reduce many of the difficulties encountered during advanced laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures such as anastomotic reconstructions, accurate lymphadenectomies, and vascular sutures. Almost all esophageal diseases are approachable in a minimally invasive way, including diverticula, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, achalasia, perforations and cancer. Nevertheless, while the limits of MIS for benign esophageal diseases are mainly technical issues and costs, oncologic outcomes remain the cornerstone of any procedure to cure malignancies, for which the long-term results are critical. Furthermore, many of the minimally invasive esophageal operations should be compared to pharmacologic interventions and advanced pure endoscopic procedures; such a comparison requires a difficult literature analysis and leads to some confounding results of clinical trials. This review aims to examine the evidence for the use of MIS in both malignancies and more common benign disease of the esophagus, with a particular emphasis on future developments and ongoing areas of research.
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Jeon HW, Choi MG, Lim CH, Park JK, Sung SW. Intraoperative esophagoscopy provides accuracy and safety in video-assisted thoracoscopic enucleation of benign esophageal submucosal tumors. Dis Esophagus 2015; 28:437-41. [PMID: 24712727 DOI: 10.1111/dote.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Benign esophageal tumors are rare; complete surgical resection is essential for the management of the submucosal tumors. Larger, symptomatic, or non-diagnostic lesions should be resected for both diagnostic and therapeutic indications. Video-assisted thoracic surgery has become a popular treatment in the field of thoracic surgery; however, thoracoscopic esophageal surgery may lead to an increase in operative complications. The effect and safety of thoracoscopic surgery for esophageal submucosal lesions were evaluated. A retrospective study evaluated patients undergoing thoracoscopic treatment of benign submucosal tumors. Between March 2011 and December 2013, 17 patients underwent thoracoscopic resection of benign submucocal tumors. Intraoperative esophagoscopy was performed for tumor localization by transillumination and confirmation of mucosal integrity after enucleation in every patient. Median patient age was 47 years (range 30-65). The median surgery time was 170 minutes (range 80-429). The median tumor size was 3.8 cm (range 1.3-9). The median hospital stay was 4 days (range 2-12). There were 16 leiomyoma and 1 neurogenic tumor. There was one case of conversion to thoracotomy because of residual tumor after enucleation. Mucosal injuries occurred in three patients, two accidentally and one intentionally; each patient was treated with primary repair and confirmed integrity with flexible esophagoscopy at operating room. The small sized tumor with intraoperative esophagoscopy could be localized. Esophagoscopic assistance was necessary in eight patients to have better idea where to make myotomy. There were no major morbidities such as postoperative leakage or mortality. Esophageal submucosal tumors can be treated safely with thoracoscopic surgery. However, intraoperative esophagoscopy allows accurate tumor localization, direction of esophageal access incision, and decreases complications during VATS enucleation of esophageal submucosal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - M-G Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - C-H Lim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - J K Park
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - S W Sung
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Hu X, Lee H. Complete thoracoscopic enucleation of giant leiomyoma of the esophagus: a case report and review of the literature. J Cardiothorac Surg 2014; 9:34. [PMID: 24528601 PMCID: PMC3936798 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8090-9-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal leiomyoma is one of the most common types of benign esophagus tumors. Giant leiomyoma of the esophagus is traditionally treated by open thoracotomy, which has large incision. We report a case of complete thoracoscopic enucleation of giant leiomyoma in a chinese patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hui Lee
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Circulation, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Retrospective study of endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD) for surgical resection of esophageal leiomyoma. Surg Endosc 2013; 27:4259-66. [PMID: 23955726 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-013-3035-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal leiomyoma is benign and often asymptomatic, but if the tumor is too large or obstructive, it should be resected. The aim of this study was to compare a novel approach, endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD), with a more established method, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). METHODS This was a retrospective study of 39 patients in Chongqing Xinqiao Hospital, China, undergoing resection for leiomyoma >2 cm in diameter, or 1.5-2.0 cm in diameter with symptoms of obstructive dysphagia. Epidemiological data, presenting symptoms, diagnostic investigations, tumor location, histopathological findings, and safety and efficacy of surgical resection were analyzed. RESULTS Mean tumor sizes in the ESTD (n = 18; mean age = 36.7 ± 6.3 years) and ESD (n = 21; age = 41.0 ± 4.4 years) groups were 3.3 ± 0.7 and 3.0 ± 0.4 cm, respectively. The male:female ratio was 25:14, with a distribution of lesions among the lower, middle, and upper esophagus of 22:14:3. Operating time was significantly shorter (p < 0.05) for ESTD (67.5 ± 9.5 min) than for ESD (87.2 ± 7.7 min), while incision healing was faster (p < 0.05) for ESTD (14.7 ± 2.5 days) than for ESD (57.9 ± 7.5 days). Hospital stay was also shorter (p < 0.05) for ESTD (2.3 ± 0.5 days) than for ESD (5.7 ± 1.0 days). Bleeding was the only complication with ESTD (3/18 patients), with no significant difference in the incidence of complications between groups. ESTD was rapidly learned by surgeons. CONCLUSION ESTD is a safe and effective treatment for esophageal leiomyoma, with advantages over ESD.
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Khalaileh A, Savetsky I, Adileh M, Elazary R, Abu-Gazala M, Abu Gazala S, Gazala SA, Schlager A, Rivkind A, Mintz Y. Robotic-assisted enucleation of a large lower esophageal leiomyoma and review of literature. Int J Med Robot 2013; 9:253-7. [PMID: 23401224 DOI: 10.1002/rcs.1484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Leiomyoma is the most common benign esophageal neoplasm. Different invasive surgical approaches have been described for management of such lesions. The literature is reviewed and a robotic assisted left thoracoscopic enucleation with the patient in the right side position is described. A 40-year-old male patient, otherwise healthy, found to have a lower midiastinal mass on screening X-ray, is described. Physical examination and blood tests were within normal limits. Diagnostic work-up included: computerized tomography (CT) scanning of the chest and midiastinum that revealed a 40 × 30 mm mass of the distal esophagus, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a lower protruding esophageal submucosal mass with intact mucosa, a filling defect was apparent on esophagography. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) showed the same findings, biopsies were taken and leimyoma was diagnosed. Under general anesthesia with a double-lumen endotracheal tube, the patient was positioned on his right side. A 30 robotic scope was introduced in the left 7th intercostal space on the posterior axillary line. Two 8-mm robotic trocars were inserted in the left 5th and 9th intercostals spaces on the same line. Operative field was clearly exposed and an additional 5-mm ethicon trocar was inserted. The inferior pulmonary ligament was released, the parietal pleural space opened, proximal and distal control was achieved using Penrose. The muscular layer of the lower esophagus was opened by coagulation hook, the lesion was enucleated without mucosal penetration. Intraoperative endoscopy permitted localization of the lesion and ensured mucosal integrity. The muscular layer was not closed and the chest drain was left. Total operative time was 200 min and blood loss was less than 20 mL. A Gastrograffin swallow on the first post-operative day showed good esophageal clearance and absence of leak, the patient was allowed a liquid diet. He was discharged on the third post-operative day in a good general condition, benign pathology was confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abed Khalaileh
- Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center - General Surgery, PO Box 12000, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
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Laparoscopic excision of esophageal leiomyoma. Updates Surg 2011; 64:315-8. [PMID: 21898175 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-011-0108-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor of the esophagus. The lower and middle thirds of the esophagus are the most frequent locations of these tumors and in about one-third of the patients they occur at the level of the gastroesophageal junction. They are less than 5 cm in size in 50% of the patients. A left thoracotomy, thoracoscopy or a laparoscopic approach can be used for lesions in the lower third of the esophagus. Esophageal leiomyomas should be considered for resection when symptomatic. Preoperative evaluation allows precise characterization of the diagnosis and location. Minimally invasive surgery is considered today the treatment of choice with the laparoscopic approach used for distal tumors. We present the case of a 63-year-old woman with an esophageal leiomyoma located above the gastroesophageal junction who underwent a successful laparoscopic excision of the tumor.
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Argote-Greene LM, Martin-Del-Campo LA, Torres-Villalobos G, Santillan-Doherty P. Enucleation of esophageal leiomyoma by video-assisted thoracic surgery. Multimed Man Cardiothorac Surg 2010; 2010:mmcts.2008.003467. [PMID: 24413815 DOI: 10.1510/mmcts.2008.003467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Thoracoscopic enucleation of benign distal esophageal leiomyoma is a minimally-invasive procedure that is comprised of four basic steps: (1) port placement and exposure, (2) dissection, (3) reconstruction, and (4) drain placement and closure. The procedure can be performed with minimal perioperative pain, excellent morbidity and mortality, and a high-degree of patient satisfaction. Some patients may experience mild dysphagia or dyspepsia in the postoperative interval, which is managed medically with proton pump inhibitors or surgically with antireflux repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M Argote-Greene
- Division of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery, Department of Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición 'Salvador ZubirÁn', Vasco de Quiróga 15, Mexico City, D.F. 14000, Mexico
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Robotic Fourth-Arm Enucleation of an Esophageal Leiomyoma and Review of Literature. INNOVATIONS-TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNIQUES IN CARDIOTHORACIC AND VASCULAR SURGERY 2009; 4:354-7. [DOI: 10.1097/imi.0b013e3181c46218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal leiomyomas are resected in symptomatic and/or malignancy-suspicious cases. Traditionally, they have been removed by laparotomy or thoracotomy and more recently by thoracoscopy and laparoscopy. Mucosal injury is reported as high as 7% of cases but may be higher in unreported general practice. Robotic technology seems to offer advantages. We describe a robotic approach that seems to minimize mobilization of the esophagus, potentially decreasing the likelihood of mucosal injury and postoperative recovery time. We review the literature to evaluate the reports of mucosal injury with the open, minimally invasive, and robotic techniques and describe our own method. To improve efficiency, we use a four-arm technique.
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Kernstine KH, Emily S, Falabella A, Ramirez NA, Anderson CA, Beblawi I. Robotic Fourth-Arm Enucleation of an Esophageal Leiomyoma and Review of Literature. INNOVATIONS-TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNIQUES IN CARDIOTHORACIC AND VASCULAR SURGERY 2009. [DOI: 10.1177/155698450900400612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kemp H. Kernstine
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
| | - S. Emily
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
| | - Andres Falabella
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
| | - Natalie A. Ramirez
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
| | - Casandra A. Anderson
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
| | - Ihab Beblawi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
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Dapri G, Himpens J, Ntounda R, Alard S, Dereeper E, Cadière GB. Enucleation of a leiomyoma of the mid-esophagus through a right thoracoscopy with the patient in prone position. Surg Endosc 2009; 24:215-8. [PMID: 19517189 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-009-0514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2008] [Revised: 04/15/2009] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leiomyoma is the most common benign esophageal neoplasm. Different open and minimally invasive approaches have been described. We describe a right thoracoscopic enucleation with the patient in the prone position. METHOD A 49-year-old woman consulted us about solid-diet dysphagia without other symptoms. Preoperative work-up showed the presence of 50 x 28-mm leiomyoma of the middle esophagus, without satellite lymph nodes. The patient underwent general anesthesia with a double-lumen endotracheal tube, and subsequently was placed in the prone position. A 30 degrees scope was introduced in the right 7th intercostal space on the posterior axillary line. Perioperative gastroscopy permitted localization of the lesion, which appeared to be situated at the level of the azygos vein. Two 5-mm trocars were inserted in the right 5th and 9th intercostal spaces on one line with the first one. The azygos vein was ligated. The muscular layer of the mid-esophagus was opened by coagulating hook. Due to a 2-mm trocarless Cadière's forceps (Microfrance, France), introduced into the right 7th intercostal space, the operative field was well exposed and the lesion was enucleated without mucosal perforation. The muscular layer was closed by interrupted silk 2/0 stitches. A drain was left in the chest cavity. RESULTS Total operative time was 85 min and blood loss was less than 20 ml. The gastrograffin swallow on postoperative day 2 showed good clearance of the esophagus and absence of leak, hence the patient was allowed a liquid diet. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3. Benign pathology was confirmed. CONCLUSION Thoracoscopy in the prone position permits the surgeon to reach the esophagus under excellent working conditions, despite an only partially deflated lung. Gravity displaces blood loss eventually, which allows good visualization, and the surgeon can operate in an ergonomic position. This approach allows for fewer trocars which favorably influences the patient's comfort and reduces the length of hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Dapri
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, European School of Laparoscopic Surgery, Saint-Pierre University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.
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