Robot-assisted thoracoscopic excision of a giant leiomyoma of the upper esophagus: A technical report

Abstract

Abstract Background: Esophageal leiomyoma is a relatively rare disease that can occur in any part of the esophagus. In the past, open thoracic surgery or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) were commonly used to remove esophageal leiomyomas. Case presentation: A 21-year-old male patient presented with progressive dysphagia for more than 3 years. Esophageal radiography showed a narrowed chest esophageal lumen. Esophagoscopy revealed a large tumor located 24 cm-31 cm from the incisor teeth. Robot-assisted esophageal tumor removal was performed under general anesthesia.On the third day after surgery, the patient resumed a fully liquid diet. A follow-up upper gastrointestinal contrast radiography after surgery showed no esophageal perforation, and the contrast agent passed through the esophagus smoothly. Conclusions: In this patient, the esophageal mass was large and located at the upper and middle esophagus; it was deep and had a complex anatomical structure. Robotic surgery, however, results in less trauma and precise manipulation than open surgery and is a more suitable surgical approach for deep and complex tumors in the chest cavity.