Objective   To investigate the value of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in treatment of esophageal tumors.   Methods   The properties

range and infiltrating depth of the neoplastic lesions in esophagus were detected by chromoendoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography. The mucosal lesions including early cancers

submucosal tumors deriving from mucosa were removed by ESD: injecting fructose-glycerol fluid into the submucosa to elevate the lesion from the muscle layer

pre-cutting the surrounding mucosa of the lesion

and dissecting the connective tissue of the submucosa beneath the lesion.    Results   The diameter in all 21 lesions was larger than 2 cm

and the largest was as large as 5 cm. All the lesions

including 8 cases of early esophageal cancer

5 cases of esophageal mucosa moderate and severe dysplasia

and 8 cases of esophageal leiomyoma

were removed by ESD radically. The time for ESD operation was 30-180 minutes (average time: 110 minutes). A small amount of intraoperative bleeding was stopped by electrocoagulation hemostasis. No delayed postoperative bleeding occurred. Perforation occurred in one patient of early esophageal cancer (4.76%)

but was cured by endoscopic metal clip closure and medical conservative treatment. No recurrence was found during the follow-up for 1-12 months.   Conclusion   With the aid of chromoendoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography

endoscopic submucosal dissection is a safe and effective endoscopic treatment method for esophageal mucosal cancers

precancerous lesions and submucosal tumors.