Leiomyoma of the esophagus: A report of four cases and review of the surgical literature

1. 1. Four cases of leiomyoma of the esophagus removed surgically are presented. 2. 2. One case, incorrectly diagnosed, was subjected to more extensive surgery than was indicated and the patient's postoperative course was complicated by leakage, mediastinitis, gastric fistula and subsequently by esophageal stricture. This case of special interest is described in some detail. 3. 3. The cardinal features of these tumors, which should permit an accurate preoperative diagnosis in the majority of cases, have been pointed out. 4. 4. Evidence is presented which indicates that almost all of these tumors can be safely removed by transthoracic local enucleation with considerable assurance of an excellent result. 5. 5. The surgical literature pertaining to leiomyomas of the esophagus is reviewed and data tabulated on the surgically treated patients who have been reported.