videothoracoscopic enucleation of esophageal leiomyoma with assistance of sleeve calibration tube

leiomyoma is a rare esophageal tumor that constitutes less than 1% of esophageal malignancies. it should be removed when diagnosed even if asymptomatic. this study presents two cases of esophageal leiomyoma in 38 and 62 years old men who presented with dysphagia and evaluated for diagnosis and location of related tumors. patients were clinically examined and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, chest computerized tomography scan, barium swallow and endoscopic ultrasonography were performed. the masses were diagnosed and both patients underwent 3-port right videothoracoscopic enucleation of esophageal leiomyoma with sleeve calibration tube (sct) assistance. sct was used to protrude out the mass from surrounding tissues. also immunohistochemistry was done after mass enucleation. two patients were operated routinely without any unpredictable events by help of sct assistance. mass size was 3.5×2.5×1 cm in one case and 1.5×1×0.5 cm in another patient. positive smooth muscle antigen, desmin and ki67 and negative cd34, cd117 and s100 in both cases were obtained in immunohistochemistry. patients were followed after surgery for 3 months and no complications were detected in none of them. thoracoscopic enucleation of esophageal leiomyoma is a safe and feasible procedure which can decrease hospitalization and operation time. based on our findings, the use of the esophageal sct help to detect smaller tumor without need intra-operative endoscopy, facilitates separation of the tumor mass from both esophageal mucosal and muscular layers, and may prevent perforation. finally, use of sct make operation faster and safer.