Benign tumors of the esophagus are rare. The conventional surgical trauma during thoracoscopy appears to be huge in proportion to the small tumor. Thus, alternative procedures are mandatory. The combination of thoracoscopic and endoscopic techniques allows the secure tumor removal with minimal surgical trauma and thus increases the patient's comfort. Intraluminal endoscopy in combination with diaphanoscopy clearly facilitates the thoracoscopic preparation in the majority of the intramurally located tumors. Between January 1995 and December 2003, we treated a total of 28 patients using these combined endoscopic procedures. By means of this minimal invasive technique, the tumors could be removed completely. This surgical approach can be used for all benign tumors of the esophagus. The technique is secure, with only minor complications. Moreover, the simultaneous use of diaphanoscopy increases the anatomical preparatory security and is an important facilitation for the surgeon.     «

Benign tumors of the esophagus are rare. The conventional surgical trauma during thoracoscopy appears to be huge in proportion to the small tumor. Thus, alternative procedures are mandatory. The combination of thoracoscopic and endoscopic techniques allows the secure tumor removal with minimal surgical trauma and thus increases the patient's comfort. Intraluminal endoscopy in combination with diaphanoscopy clearly facilitates the thoracoscopic preparation in the majority of the intramurally loca...     »