Objectives: There is still much debate about the indications and best technique for endoscopy for the treatment of esophageal leiomyomas. We developed a novel technique for endoscopic aspiration lumpectomy and used it in patients with esophageal leiomyomas derived from the muscularis mucosae.
Methods: Nine patients with esophageal leiomyomas were treated with informed consent. The indication for intervention was based on the endosonographic confirmation of a tumor originating from the 2nd layer of the esophagus. We attached a transparent cylinder to the tip of an endoscope and a snare-guide tube to the outer axis of the scope. After endoscopic suction of the tumor into the cylinder, the snare was pushed open. The tumor was grabbed at its base with the entire surrounding mucosa, and removed.
Results: The overall procedure time averaged 18 minutes, and there were no complications in any of the subjects. The resected specimens were elliptical with a mean long diameter of 22 +/- 4 mm and a mean short diameter of 17 +/- 4 mm. Complete resection was possible in eight of the nine tumors that were under 2 cm in diameter. After a follow-up period of 4 to 27 months (mean 11 months), no recurrence was found in any of the completely resected cases.
Conclusions: Endoscopic aspiration lumpectomy has been proven to be a safe, effective, and less invasive procedure for small esophageal leiomyomas derived from the muscularis mucosae.