Endoscopic resection of an esophageal leiomyoma with overlying dysplasia without specialized equipment

Abstract

Leiomyomas are rare benign esophageal tumors. Association of this subepithelial lesion with abnormal epithelium is rarer. Endoscopic mucosal resection is an alternative to surgery for removing suitable mucosal and submucosal lesions from the gastrointestinal tract. This procedure is seldom performed in developing countries due to limited equipment and expertise. We describe a case of esophageal leiomyoma with overlying dysplasia in the mid esophagus that was completely removed endoscopically in a developing country without the standard accessory equipment. Traditional thoracotomy would have been associated with higher cost and morbidity.

Keywords: Dysplasia, endoscopic resection, esophageal leiomyoma