Abstract
We present the case of a patient whose lower esophageal leiomyoma was resected laparoscopically. A 33-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with epigastric discomfort. A submucosal tumor, approximately 80 mm long was found at the lower thoracic esophagus. Surgery was selected because of the tumor's size, its associated symptoms, and its malignant potential. Transhiatal resection of the lower esophagus was carried out by laparoscopic surgery. The patient recovered well and was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 14. Laparoscopic-assisted surgery was thought to be a useful alternative for benign tumors of the lower thoracic esophagus.
