Preoperative diagnosis of a paraesophageal bronchogenic cyst using endosonography

Preoperative diagnosis of paraesophageal bronchogenic cysts is difficult, and its management remains controversial. We describe the case of an incidental paraesophageal. bronchogenic cyst, suspected preoperatively with endoscopic ultrasound and established intraoperatively by thoracoscopic inspection. Surgical treatment was achieved by cyst excision using a needlescopic technique. Endoscopic ultrasound seems to be the preoperative diagnostic test of choice, for paraesophageal bronchogenic cysts. (C) 2002 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.