Objective        To evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic value of endoscopic ultrasonography and to explore the safety and efficacy of endoscopic therapy in treatment of esophageal submucosal tumors.      Methods       Fifty-four patients who were diagnosed as esophageal submucosal tumor by gastroscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography were enrolled. High frequency electric trapped resection was applied to remove esophageal submucosal tumors with diameters less than 1.0 cm

and endoscopic submucosal dissection was applied to remove tumors bigger than 1.0 cm.      Results       The esophageal submucosal tumors of the 54 patients were completely resected. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations confirmed 48 patients of leiomyomas

3 patients of angiolymphomas and 1 patient of esophageal cyst

which were all originated from the mucous muscularis layer; 2 patients were interstitialomas originated from the muscular propria layer; 1 patient had intraoperative bleeding that was stopped by electrocoagulation hemostasis. No other operation-related complications occurred. After 6 months follow-up

endoscopy showed that the white ulcerous scars formed in all patients.      Conclusion       Endoscopic therapy assisted with endoscopic ultrasonography is a safe and effective treatment for resecting esophageal submucosal tumors originated from mucous muscularis layer.