Whereas removal of small oesophageal leiomyomas can be performed by simple enucleation by conventional thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopy, partial oesophagectomy is often necessary for giant lesions. Since it is not possible preoperatively to distinguish GEL from leiomyosarcoma when metastases are absent, partial oesophageal resection is not to be considered an overtreatment and radical resection should always be planned. A gastric tube, in our experience employed as an oesophageal substitute, is effective and could reduce the risk of significant postoperative gastro-oesophageal reflux.
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