Robotic transthoracic esophageal leiomyoma resection

Esophageal leiomyoma is the most common benign esophageal tumor. It is of smooth muscle origin. Dysphagia is the most common symptom. Many are found incidentally. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, barium swallow, endoscopic ultrasound, and computed tomography are the most frequent methods to evaluate them; other tests might be necessary to clarify the differential. Surgical resection is indicated for symptoms, possibility of malignancy, enlarging lesions and for patients request removal of the lesions. Less than 10% need to be removed. The details of robotic resection are described. For simple esophageal leiomyoma, hospital stays are brief, less than 3 days.