Single-incision laparoscopic gastric resection for submucosal tumors: report of three cases. Surg Today. 2011;41:133-136. [PMID: 21191706 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-009-4204]

Minimally invasive surgeries for submucosal tumors of the stomach

Submucosal tumors (SMTs) of the gastrointestinal tract, which may be an occasional finding on routine upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract and have the potential to progress to malignancy. The primary treatment goal for localized GISTs is surgical resection with achievement of a negative margin (R0 resection). This is the effective way to achieve complete treatment. Minimally invasive surgery has become common in the surgical resection of gastrointestinal SMTs. Recent advances in endoscopic technology provide various treatment modalities for gastric SMTs. Moreover, investigators have developed laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative procedures. In addition, robotic surgery for SMTs is another choice. The purpose of this article is to review recent trends in minimally invasive surgery for gastric SMTs.