부산대학교 도서관

A 58-year-old-woman was diagnosed with an esophageal submucosal tumor. The tumor was located on the left side of the lower thoracic esophagus, and no evidence of malignancy was detected on computed tomography or endoscopic ultrasound. We were unable to perform a fine needle biopsy because of technical difficulties. Preoperatively, the patient was diagnosed with a benign esophageal submucosal tumor, and thoracoscopic enucleation was performed under artificial pneumothorax whilst the patient was in the right lateral position. During the operation, the tumor was pushed out through the endoscope using a balloon dilator. Artificial pneumothorax made it easy to maintain the surgical field and prevented oozing. Artificial pneumothorax and the pushing out of the tumor with a balloon dilator facilitate the thoracoscopic enucleation of esophageal submucosal tumors.