The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 23, 68-72, Copyright © 1977 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Esophageal myectomy for recurrent multiple leiomyomas of the esophagus: manometric and cineradiographic documentation
ME Lee and RH Overholt
This is a report of recurrent multiple leiomyomas of the esophagus treated
initially by enucleation and subsequently by myectomy of the involved
portion of the esophagus to prevent further recurrence. Experimental
studies support the clinical observation that the esophagus will function
as a conduit for food in the absence of an orderly progression of
peristalsis. Preservation of hilar truncal vagus nerve function must be
accomplished if normal lower esophageal sphincter function is to be
maintained. We believe this is the first report of deliberate esophageal
myectomy in a human patient with manometric and cineradiographic
documentation of satisfactory function postoperatively. Limited myectomy
may be considered, as circumstances require, in the treatment of multiple
esophageal leiomyomas, although enucleation remains the treatment of
choice.
