The cervical approach to esophageal leiomyomas.

Intramural leiomyoma is the most common benign esophageal tumor. The treatment of choice is enucleation without mucosal encroachment. Esophageal resection with reconstruction is rarely necessary, obviating the need for wide exposure. This report demonstrates the technical simplicity of the cervical approach to leiomyomata of the proximal thoracic esophagus. The operative technique avoids the morbidity of the commonly employed thoracotomy incision and deserves consideration in the treatment of accessible lesions.