The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 35, 469-471, Copyright © 1983 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
The cervical approach to esophageal leiomyomas
GR Schorlemmer, JW Battaglini and GF Murray
Intramural leiomyoma is the most common benign esophageal tumor. The
treatment of choice is enucleation without mucosal encroachment. Esophageal
resection with reconstruction is rarely necessary, obviating the need for
wide exposure. This report demonstrates the technical simplicity of the
cervical approach to leiomyomata of the proximal thoracic esophagus. The
operative technique avoids the morbidity of the commonly employed
thoracotomy incision and deserves consideration in the treatment of
accessible lesions.