Minimally invasive resection of benign esophageal tumors

ObjectiveBenign tumors of the esophagus are uncommon. Traditionally, resection has required thoracotomy or laparotomy. In this study we present our experience with resection of these tumors using a minimally invasive approach.MethodsA retrospective review of patients who underwent resection of benign esophageal tumors between 1990 and 2005 was conducted. Operative approach, tumor size, and outcomes after surgery were recorded.ResultsTwenty patients were identified (leiomyoma: n = 15; stromal tumor: n = 3; granular cell tumor, n = 1; schwannoma: n = 1). Four patients underwent an open approach (right thoracotomy); the remainder were resected using minimally invasive techniques (thoracoscopy, n = 9; laparoscopy, n =7). There were no postoperative leaks or other major complications after surgery. Two patients required repair of a mucosal injury during resection. Mean tumor size in the open group was 8.1 cm (range 7–10 cm) compared with 3.5 cm (range 0.9–8 cm) in the minimally invasive group. Median length of stay was 5.5 days in the open group compared with 2.75 days in the minimally invasive group. Five patients subsequently required fundoplication for worsening (n = 3) or new-onset (n = 2) gastroesophageal reflux disease after tumor resection.ConclusionsMinimally invasive resection of benign esophageal tumors is technically safe and associated with a shorter length of stay compared with open approaches. Although no specific cutoff for size could be identified, most tumors greater than 7 cm were removed by thoracotomy. The subsequent development of reflux may be related to the esophageal myotomy required for resection

The McNair Scholars Journal, 2009

The McNair Program at the University of Wisconsin-Superior prepares income eligible, first generation college students and students from groups underrepresented in graduate education for doctoral study. It is a nationwide program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, created in memory of Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D., an African-American physicist killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger mission in 1986. During the summer, 12 scholars participate in a paid individual research experience, working collaboratively with a faculty mentor on a project of interest to the student