Laparoscopic versus open resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Am J Clin Oncol. 2012;35:451-454. [PMID: 21552096 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0b013e31821954a7]

Utilization of neoadjuvant therapy for localized gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors and the association with survival

BACKGROUND

For gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), neoadjuvant imatinib is most often reserved for tumors near the gastroesophageal junction, multivisceral involvement, or limited metastatic disease. Whether localized gastric GISTs benefit from neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) remains unknown. We sought to examine factors associated with NAT utilization for localized gastric GISTs and evaluate implications on survival.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database identified patients with localized gastric GISTs treated with NAT (2010-2020), excluding tumors extending beyond the gastric wall, located in the cardia, or with metastatic disease. Multivariable logistic regression assessed characteristics of NAT use. After 1:1 propensity score matching, Kaplan-Meier methods and multivariable Cox regression assessed overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Of 7203 patients, 762 (10.6%) received NAT followed by resection. On multivariable analysis, increasing tumor size was associated with NAT use (<2.0 cm vs 2.0-5.0 cm [odds ratio {OR}, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.19-3.47; P = .010] vs >5 cm [OR, 16.87; 95% CI, 10.02-28.40; P < .001]). After propensity score matching, 1506 patients remained. Median OS for NAT was 46.0 months vs 43.0 months for resection (P = .059), which was independently predictive of improved survival on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80-0.99; P = .041). Subgroup analysis by tumor size showed no survival differences for tumors <2.0 cm or from 2.0 to 5.0 cm. Median OS was higher for tumors > 5.0 cm treated with NAT (NAT, 45.4 months [IQR, 29.5-65.9] vs upfront resection, 42.3 months [IQR 26.9-62.8]) and associated with improved survival on multivariable analysis (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.78-0.99; P = .040).

CONCLUSION

Although patients who received NAT had improved survival, this was primarily due to tumors >5.0 cm. Expanding NAT selection criteria to include localized gastric GISTs >5.0 cm may improve outcomes and warrants investigation through clinical trials.

Non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery with one-step nucleic acid amplification for early gastrointestinal tumors: Personal experience and literature review

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery is a safe, organ-sparing surgery that achieves full-thickness resection with adequate margins. Recent studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these procedures. However, these techniques are limited by the exposure of the tumor and mucosa to the peritoneal cavity, which could lead to viable cancer cell seeding and the spillage of gastric juice or enteric liquids into the peritoneal cavity. Non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery (NEWS) is highly accurate in determining the resection margins to prevent intraperitoneal contamination because the tumor is inverted into the visceral lumen instead of the peritoneal cavity. Accurate intraoperative assessment of the nodal status could allow stratification of the extent of resection. One-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) can provide a rapid method of evaluating nodal tissue, whilst near-infrared laparoscopy together with indocyanine green can identify relevant nodal tissue intraoperatively.

AIM

To determine the safety and feasibility of NEWS in early gastric and colon cancers and of adding rapid intraoperative lymph node (LN) assessment with OSNA.

METHODS

The patient-based experiential portion of our investigations was conducted at the General and Oncological Surgery Unit of the St. Giuseppe Moscati Hospital (Avellino, Italy). Patients with early-stage gastric or colon cancer (diagnosed via endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and computed tomography) were included. All lesions were treated by NEWS procedure with intraoperative OSNA assay between January 2022 and October 2022. LNs were examined intraoperatively with OSNA and postoperatively with conventional histology. We analyzed patient demographics, lesion features, histopathological diagnoses, R0 resection (negative margins) status, adverse events, and follow-up results. Data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 10 patients (5 males and 5 females) with an average age of 70.4 ± 4.5 years (range: 62-78 years) were enrolled in this study. Five patients were diagnosed with gastric cancer. The remaining 5 patients were diagnosed with early-stage colon cancer. The mean tumor diameter was 23.8 ± 11.6 mm (range: 15-36 mm). The NEWS procedure was successful in all cases. The mean procedure time was 111.5 ± 10.7 min (range: 80-145 min). The OSNA assay revealed no LN metastases in any patients. Histologically complete resection (R0) was achieved in 9 patients (90.0%). There was no recurrence during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

NEWS combined with sentinel LN biopsy and OSNA assay is an effective and safe technique for the removal of selected early gastric and colon cancers in which it is not possible to adopt conventional endoscopic resection techniques. This procedure allows clinicians to acquire additional information on the LN status intraoperatively.

Laparoscopic Partial Gastrectomy for Large Gastric GISTs

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are considered the most common mesenchymal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract and the stomach is the most frequently site affected (50-60%). The safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for gastric GISTs of sizes larger than 5 cm remains unclear. It depends on the surgical skills, tumor location, and the learning curve of the surgeons.

METHODS

Between December 2013 and January 2021, 30 patients diagnosed with gastric GISTs underwent laparoscopic partial gastrectomy. This is a retrospective study done in Surgical Oncology unit, Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Egypt.

RESULTS

The most common tumor location was in the greater curvature in (46.7%). The mean tumor size was 9.5 cm (range 5-17 cm). All of the patients underwent laparoscopic partial gastrectomy. Associated splenectomy was done for only one patient. The mean operative time was 152.67 min and the estimated blood loss (EBL) was 139.33 ml. The mean hospital stay was 3.53 days. The mean follow-up period was 32.4 months.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic resection for gastric GISTs has become a feasible method. Patients with large tumors have the same favorable outcomes as small tumors. Large-sized GISTs may receive neoadjuvant therapy to downstage the disease and make it amenable for laparoscopic resection.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection for large gastric stromal tumors

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of gastric stromal tumors is becoming increasingly common. However, there have been few studies analyzing the therapeutic efficacy and safety of this technique on large (≥ 3 cm) gastric stromal tumors (LGSTs). The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of ESD for the removal of LGSTs and to investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of ESD for this indication.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was carried out on 82 patients with LGSTs who underwent an ESD. Data on therapeutic outcomes and follow-up were collected for an analysis of the rates of en block resection and complete resection. A logistic regression model was used to identify potential risk factors for ESD-related complications, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated for qualifying independent risk factors.

RESULTS

En bloc resection was achieved in 81 lesions (98.8%), and complete resection was achieved in 80 lesions (97.6%). The rates of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding were 6.1% and 3.7%, respectively. The accidental perforation rate was 12.2%, the postoperative perforation rate was 3.7%, the intentional perforation rate was 28.0%, and the postoperative infection rate was 12.2%. There was no postoperative mortality. LGSTs originating from the deep muscularis propria (MP) layer (OR = 4.905, 95% CI: 1.362-17.658, P = 0.015), located at the gastric fundus (OR = 4.927, 95% CI:1.308-18.558, P = 0.018) and with an irregular shape (OR = 4.842, 95% CI: 1.242-18.870, P = 0.023) increased the rate of complications. The prediction model that incorporated these factors demonstrated an area under the ROC curve of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.66-0.89). No tumor recurrence or distant metastasis was observed during the follow-up period, which ranged from 6-36 months.

CONCLUSIONS

ESD is a feasible, safe, effective and minimally invasive approach for the resection of LGSTs. Tumors originating from the deep MP layer, located at the fundus and with an irregular shape were identified as risk factors for the development of complications.

Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Small Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety of endoscopic surgery, the clinicopathological features, and prognoses of small gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

METHODS

Small gastric GIST patients (diameter: 0.10-2.00 cm) resected endoscopically in Zhongshan Hospital were retrospectively identified and clinicopathological features and outcomes were collected. The relationship between clinicopathological characteristics and tumor recurrence was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal tumor diameter for predicting malignant potential.

RESULTS

All lesions were completely removed by endoscopy and En bloc resection was 98.5%. The most frequent location was the gastric fundus (60.3%) and the average diameter of all lesions was 1.20 cm (range: 0.10-2.00 cm). Mitoses were calculated as more than 5/50 HPF in 44 (6.8%) patients and nuclear atypia was moderate in 243 (37.5%) patients, severe in 1 (0.2%). Necrosis, mucosal infiltration, and vascular infiltration were detected in 8 (1.2%), 5 (0.7%), and 3 (0.5%) patients, respectively. Tumor size was positively correlated with mitotic index (P < 0.001) and nuclear atypia (P < 0.001). After a median follow-up of 54 months, four patients were confirmed local recurrence. ROC curve analysis identified 1.45 cm as the best cut-off value to predict malignant potential (95% CI: 0·694-0·774). Survival analysis showed that patients with tumor diameters larger than 1.45 cm were associated with more local recurrences after resection (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic surgery is feasible and safe for small gastric GISTs, especially those in favorable locations. Small gastric GISTs bear a good prognosis as a whole but those with diameters larger than 1.45 cm should receive more intensive surveillance or undergo endoscopic surgery.

Combination of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches for neoplasia with non-exposure technique (CLEAN-NET) for gastric submucosal tumors: updated advantages and limitations

Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) has been developed under the concept of resecting gastric tumors with both complete curability and preserving organ functions. Precise resection is obtained by classical LECS, however, concerns regarding intraoperative bacterial infection and dissemination of the tumor cells into the abdominal cavity by LECS with exposure technique still remain. To prevent these concerns, several LECS-related procedures with non-exposure techniques, such as combination of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches for neoplasia with non-exposure technique (CLEAN-NET) and non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery (NEWS), have been reported to be safe and feasible. Classical LECS, CLEAN-NET, and NEWS have the same concept, however, each has its own different characteristic procedures; exposure or non-exposure technique, inversion of the tumor into or outer the lumen, retrieval of tumor per oral or through the abdominal cavity, and dominance in the role of the endoscopist or the laparoscopic surgeon. Familiarization with these procedure details is important to understand their indications, advantages and limitations, resulting in providing a tailored minimally invasive surgery for patients. The main scope of this review article is to introduce readers to the clinical application, procedure, and results of CLEAN-NET, both from previous literatures and from our experience, as well as to offer a closer look at its advantages and limitations while comparing with other LECS procedures from the viewpoint of introducing CLEAN-NET first.

Treatment recommendations for small gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: positive endoscopic resection

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic resection and discuss the treatment strategy of small gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) less than 2 cm. Material and methods: The data of 713 patients, who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs), were retrospectively analyzed. We investigated the clinicopathological features and analyzed the risk potential of small gastric GISTs, and documented therapeutic and follow-up outcomes. We also compared the follow-up results between operated patients and 58 patients who were suspected of small gastric GISTs and underwent regular surveillance under endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the same period. Results: GISTs were the most common gastric SMTs (289 cases, 40.5%), of which small GISTs were found in 250 cases. The mitotic index was less than 5 in all cases. However, 122 out of 250 cases (48.8%) had adverse factors under EUS, which were related to tumor size (p < .01). ESD was successfully performed in all patients, and no serious complication or perioperative death occurred. The follow-up period for 42.07 ± 22.49 months revealed improvement of symptoms in 80.2% patients and showed no recurrence or metastasis. Of the 58 patients selected for EUS surveillance, 48 (82.8%) presented with gastrointestinal symptoms and 41 out of 48 (85.4%) were not relieved during follow-up and 16 (27.6%) with severe psychological problems. Conclusions: ESD is a safe and effective treatment for small GISTs, which helps to confirm the diagnosis, improve symptoms and reduce the psychological pressure. Thus, we recommend endoscopic resection is a good option for small gastric GISTs once diagnosed.

Surgical treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumours combined with imatinib treatment: a retrospective cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

Targeted therapies changed the treatment concepts of gastrointestinal stromal tumours significantly. As only possibility to cure surgical resection is the cornerstone of therapy. Thus it is necessary to find out which patients will benefit most regarding modality (neo- or adjuvant) and duration of chemotherapy.

METHODS

In a retrospective cohort analysis the medical records of all consecutive patients treated in the department of general and visceral surgery of the university hospital Tübingen between 2004 and 2015 were investigated. Recurrence and survival outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Tumor location of GIST was gastric in 32, small bowel in 14, rectum in 3 and extraintestinal in 3 patients. Median tumor size was 46 mm. Median mitotic index was 4 per 50 hpf. Resection was achieved R0 in 46 patients, R1 in 4 patients and R2 in 2 patients. Mean overall survival was 58.9 months (range, 46-73 months). Mean recurrence free survival was 45.6 months (range, 36-57 months). Mean overall survival was 58.9 months (range, 46-73 months). Risk factors for recurrence were tumor location and high mitotic index Ki-67.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of GIST after surgical resection is favourable. Survival prognosis are excellent. Analysis of KI-67 mitotic index predicted best oncologic outcome.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Resection for Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): A Size-Location-Matched Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic resection for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is technically feasible, but the long-term effect remains uncertain. This study aims to compare the long-term oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic versus open resection of GISTs by larger cases based on tumor size-location-matched study.

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2015, 63 consecutive patients with a primary gastric GIST undergoing laparoscopic resection were enrolled in and matched (1:1) to patients undergoing open resection by tumor size and location. Clinical and pathologic parameters and surgical outcomes associated with each surgical type were collected and compared.

RESULTS

The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, return of bowel function and oral intake, nasogastric tube retention time and postoperative stay were all shorter/faster in laparoscopic group than those in open group (P < 0.001). Postoperative complications were comparable except for the higher incidence of abdominal/incision pain in open group (9.52 vs 27%, P = 0.01). There was no statistical difference in recurrence rate (9.52 vs 15.87%, P = 0.29) and long-term recurrence-free survival between the two groups (P = 0.39).

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term oncologic outcome of laparoscopic resection of primary gastric GISTs is comparable to that of open procedure, but laparoscopic procedure has the advantage of minimal invasion and is superior in postoperative recovery.

Comparison Analysis of Three Different Types of Minimally Invasive Procedures for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ≤5 cm

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and prognosis of three different types of minimally invasive procedures for treating gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) ≤5 cm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical data, perioperative conditions, and the follow-up results of patients who underwent laparoscopic resection (LAP), laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS), or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric GISTs ≤5 cm were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 91 patients were enrolled in this study, and the number of cases who underwent LAP, LECS, and ESD was 30, 15, and 46, respectively. Compared with patients in the LAP and LECS group, patients in the ESD group had a smaller tumor size (P < .001, <.05, respectively.) and a higher percentage of intragastric growth pattern (all P value <.01). Significant differences were found in operative time and intraoperative blood loss among the three groups (P < .001). The operative time and intraoperative blood loss in ESD group were significantly less than that in LECS and LAP groups. No statistical difference was found in the postoperative recovery and complications among the three groups, such as nasogastric tube retention, anal exhaust time, oral intake, postoperative complication, and tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive surgery for gastric GISTs ≤5 cm is safe and feasible. The final choice regarding a minimally invasive approach should be based on the tumor size, tumor location, pattern of tumor growth, and experience of laparoscopic surgeons.

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection of large (≥3 cm) subepithelial tumors located in the cardia

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors (SETs) may harbor potential malignancy. Although it is well recognized that large SETs should be resected, the treatment strategy remains controversial. Compared to surgical resection, endoscopic resection has many advantages such as less invasive, shorter hospital stay, lower costs, and better quality of life. However, Endoscopic resection of large SETs in the cardia is challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the treatment of such SETs.

METHODS

A total of 41 patients with large SETs (≥3 cm in diameter) located in the cardia were involved in the study. All patients underwent ESD. Data on therapeutic outcomes and follow-up were collected, for analysis of risk factors of complication rates.

RESULTS

The average tumor size was 4.7 ± 1.7 cm. The average procedure time was 69.3 ± 32.7 min and the average postoperative hospital stay was 3.5 ± 1.1 days. A total of 41 tumors were removed successfully, in which 35 were leiomyomas, three were gastrointestinal stromal tumors, two were lipomas, and one was gastritis cystica profunda. The en bloc resection rate was 90.2%, and was significantly higher for tumors with a round or oval shape (100%) than for those with an irregular shape (75.0%) (P < 0.05). Five patients experienced complications (12.2%), all of which were managed conservatively. The complication rates were significantly higher in patients with a tumor originating from the deep muscularis propria layer and demonstrating a trans-cardia growth pattern. No residual or tumor recurrence was observed and no stricture occurred during the follow-up period (average, 26.7 ± 18.4 months).

CONCLUSIONS

ESD is safe and effective to curatively remove most large SETs in the cardia, and may serve as an accurate histopathology measurement to direct future therapy.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection versus laparoscopic resection for gastric stromal tumors less than 2 cm

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Laparoscopic resection (LAP) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of small gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have been reported by large amount of literature. However, the management of small GISTs remains controversial. This study evaluated the efficacy of ESD and LAP for small gastric GISTs and provided long-term outcomes of the two methods.

METHODS

A total of 126 patients who underwent ESD or LAP for small gastric GISTs between 2009 and 2016 were retrospectively collected from medical records in our hospital, and we made telephone follow-up about recurrence rate. The parameters measured for each procedure type include clinicopathological characteristics, recurrence rate, and surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Among the 126 patients, 75 (59.52%) received ESD, and 51(40.48%) received LAP. The clinicopathological characteristics of the patients were well balanced. There was also no significant difference in follow-up time (3.34 ± 1.53 years in ESD group and 3.41 ± 1.37 years in LAP group, P = 0.19). However, we observed significant difference about operating time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay between ESD group and LAP group (63.59 ± 34.41 min vs 79.12 ± 43.47 min, P = 0.04; 8.53 ± 15.89 mL vs 17.16 ± 18.90 mL, P = 0.01; 6.60 ± 2.70 days vs 10.37 ± 3.50 days, P < 0.001, respectively). The recurrence rate of ESD and LAP group was 2.67% and 1.96%, respectively, P = 0.41. Kaplan-Meier curves for disease-free survival also showed no statistically significant difference (P = 0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a preferable technique for resection of small gastric stromal tumors in the long-term outcomes compared with LAP. However, long-term randomized controlled trials are further needed.

Laparoscopic resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Does laparoscopic surgery provide an adequate oncologic resection?

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare tumors of the GI tract. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of non-metastatic disease. However, the ability to provide an adequate oncologic resection using laparoscopic surgery is still an area of debate. This is a thorough review of the current literature, looking particularly at the use of laparoscopic surgery for larger GISTs and the long-term oncologic outcomes compared to the results of open surgery. Laparoscopic resections provide an adequate oncologic result for GISTs of all sizes, including those greater than 5 cm in size.

Meta-analysis of laparoscopic vs. open resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Background

This meta-analysis compared laparoscopic surgery (LAP) and open resection (OPEN) for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) with regard to feasibility and safety.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published before March 2016 comparing the LAP and OPEN procedures for GISTs. RevMan 5.1 software was used for the meta-analysis.

Results

In total, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. The mean tumor sizes in the OPEN and LAP groups were 4.54 and 5.67 cm. Compared with the OPEN patients, the LAP patients experienced shorter surgical times (P = 0.05), less blood loss (P<0.01), earlier time to flatus (P<0.01) and an oral diet (P<0.01), and shorter hospital stays (P<0.01). The LAP patients also exhibited a decrease in overall complications (P<0.01). In addition, regarding the subgroup of larger GISTs (>5 cm), the present study did not report significant differences in operation time (P = 0.93), postoperative complications (P = 0.30), or recurrence rate (P = 0.61) between the two groups, though LAP was associated with favorable results regarding blood loss (P = 0.03) and hospital stay (P<0.01).

Conclusions

Compared with the OPEN procedure, the LAP procedure is associated with preferable short-term postoperative outcomes and does not compromise long-term oncological outcomes. For gastric GISTs >5 cm, no significant difference was detected between LAP and OPEN if patient selection and intraoperative decisions were carefully considered.

Laparoscopic surgery versus open resection in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSES

The contemporary surgery has reported the safety of laparoscopic surgery (LAP) for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). However, its use is still debated due to suspicion of the oncologic equivalence to open surgery (OPEN). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of updated original articles to investigate the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of LAP compared with OPEN for GISTs.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CNKI. Comparative studies of laparoscopic and open surgery for GISTs were published before November 2016. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was utilized to conduct quality assessment. The Review Manager (RevMan) software version 5.0 was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies involving 2140 patients were included for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results showed that, compared with OPEN, LAP indicated potentially favorable outcomes in terms of operative time (WMD, -30.71; 95% CI, -58.48 to -2.95; P = 0.03); intraoperative blood loss (WMD, -60.90; 95% CI, -91.53 to -30.28; P < 0.0001); time to flatus (WMD, -1.10; 95% CI, -1.41 to -0.79; P < 0.00001); time to oral intake (WMD, -1.25; 95% CI, -1.64 to -0.86; P < 0.00001); length of hospital stay (WMD, -3.42; 95% CI, -4.37 to -2.46; P < 0.00001); overall complications (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.54; P < 0.00001); and recurrence (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.66; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible for the treatment of GISTs including less operative time and intraoperative blood loss, earlier postoperative recovery, shorter hospital stay, and lower rate of overall complications and recurrence.

Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic local resection for gastric submucosal tumors: a single-center experience of 266 patients

Background

Laparoscopic resections for submucosal tumors (SMTs) of the stomach have been developed rapidly over the past decade. Several types of laparoscopic methods for gastric SMTs have been created. We assessed the short-term outcomes of two commonly used types of laparoscopic local resection (LLR) for gastric SMTs and reported our findings.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological results of 266 patients with gastric SMTs whom underwent LLR between January 2006 and September 2016. 228 of these underwent laparoscopic exogastric wedge resection (LEWR), the remaining 38 patients with the tumors near the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) or antrum underwent laparoscopic transgastric resection (LTR).

Results

All the patients underwent laparoscopic resections successfully. The mean operation times of LEWR and LTR were 90.2 ± 37.2 min and 101.7 ± 38.5 min respectively. The postoperative length of hospital stays for LEWR and LTR were 5.1 ± 2.1 days and 5.3 ± 1.7 days respectively. There was a low complication rate (4.4%) and zero mortality in our series.

Conclusion

ELWR is technically feasible therapy of gastric SMTs. LTR is secure and effective for gastric intraluminal SMTs located near the EGJ or antrum.

Can laparoscopic surgery be applied in gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors located in unfavorable sites?: A study based on the NCCN guidelines

This article investigated the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery in unfavorable site gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).We identified 214 patients who underwent primary gastric GIST resection at our institution (January 2006-December 2014) from a prospectively collected database. These patients were divided into a Favorable group (140 cases) and an Unfavorable group (74 cases) according to the 2014 version of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Guidelines (NCCN guidelines).The wedge resection rate of the Favorable group was higher than that of the Unfavorable group, and most procedures were performed laparoscopically (P < 0.05). In addition, there were no differences in the other clinicopathological features between these groups (P > 0.05). The postoperative stay of the Unfavorable group was longer than that of the Favorable group (P = 0.02). Laparoscopic surgery in both groups resulted in a shorter operative time, lower blood loss, faster time to first flatus, faster time to first fluid diet, and shorter postoperative stay than open surgery (P < 0.05). Although the difference was not significant (P = 0.09), the postoperative complication incidence of the Favorable group was less than that of the Unfavorable group (10% vs 17.6%). Furthermore, in the Unfavorable group, the incidence of postoperative complications from laparoscopic surgery was significantly lower than that of open surgery (P = 0.001). There were no differences in the 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of these groups (P > 0.05). Furthermore, in the Unfavorable group, the 5-year OS and RFS were similar for both laparoscopic and open procedures. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that imatinib (IM) treatment was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis.Laparoscopic operation for gastric GISTs located in unfavorable sites can yield similar long-term outcomes compared with an open operation. However, laparoscopic surgery has the obvious advantage of being minimally invasive, and the incidence of postoperative complications was low. Laparoscopic surgery is thus an option for the treatment of localized gastric GISTs.

Laparoscopic resection of large gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumours

Introduction

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are a rare class of neoplasms that are seen most commonly in the stomach. Due to their malignant potential, surgical resection is the recommended method for management of these tumours. Many reports have described the ability to excise small and medium sized GISTs laparoscopically, but laparoscopic resection of GISTs greater than 5 cm is still a matter of debate.

Aim

To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of laparoscopic surgical techniques for management of large gastric GISTs greater than 4 cm and to detail characteristics of this type of tumour.

Material and methods

The study cohort consisted of 11 patients with suspected gastric GISTs who were treated from 2011 to April 2014 in a single institution. All patients underwent laparoscopic resection of a gastric GIST.

Results

Eleven patients underwent laparoscopic resection of a suspected gastric GIST between April 2011 and April 2014. The cohort consisted of 6 males and 5 females. Mean age was 67 years (range: 43–92 years). Sixty-four percent of these patients presented with symptomatic tumours. Four (36.4%) patients underwent laparoscopic transgastric resection (LTR), 3 (27.3%) laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), 3 (27.3%) laparoscopic wedge resection (LWR) and 1 (9%) laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG). The mean operative time was 215 min. The mean tumour size was 6 cm (range: 4–9 cm). The mean tumour size for LTR was 5.5 cm (range: 4–6.3 cm), for LWR 5.3 cm (range: 4.5–7 cm), for LSG 6.5 cm (range: 4–9 cm) and for LDG 9 cm. We experienced only minor postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic procedures can be successfully performed during management of large gastric GISTs, bigger than 4 cm, and should be considered for all non-metastatic cases. The appropriate approach can be determined by assessing the anatomical location of each tumour.

Endoscopic band ligation versus endoscopic submucosal dissection and laparoscopic resection for small gastric stromal tumors

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Previous studies have addressed the safety and feasibility of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) for the treatment of small gastric GISTs. However, published reports comparing EBL with other interventions are limited. This current study evaluates the efficacy of EBL and compares EBL to both endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and laparoscopic resection (LAP) for small gastric GISTs less than 15 mm.

METHODS

A total of 339 patients who underwent endoscopic therapy or laparoscopic resection for gastric GISTs between 1998 and 2012 were retrospectively identified and collected from medical records in our hospital. The parameters measured for each procedure type includes clinicopathological characteristics, length of stay, hospitalization expense and surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Among the 147 patients included in our study, 72 (48.98 %) received EBL, 27 (18.37 %) received ESD, and 48 (32.65 %) received LAP. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients such as gender, age, tumor site and size were well balanced between the study groups. There was also no significant difference in follow-up time between the study groups. The mean operating time was significantly shorter in the patients receiving EBL than patients receiving ESD and LAP (p < 0.001). The estimated blood loss was significantly different between the three groups (p < 0.001). Complications occurred in 1.39 % of the patients receiving EBL, 18.52 % of the patients receiving ESD and 4.17 % of the patients receiving LAP (p = 0.004), and recurrence rate in 15.00, 9.10 and 11.76 %, respectively (p = 0.705). There was also significant difference about mean hospital stay and hospital cost between three groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results show a significant advantage in the short-term outcome for EBL compared to ESD and LAP. However, long-term randomized controlled trials are needed to compare the three methods for the treatment of small GISTs.

Feasibility and safety of laparoscopic resection for gastric GISTs larger than 5 cm: Results from a prospective study

The role of laparoscopic resection for large gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), particularly those >5 cm, remains under debate due the possibility of intraoperative tumor rupture. To determine the feasibility and safety of the laparoscopic approach in the treatment of large gastric GISTs, a prospective study was performed between March 2011 and March 2014. Intraoperative tumor rupture was studied as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the conversion rate, surgical duration, estimated blood loss, time to tolerate fluid and solid diets, length of post-operative hospital stay and recurrence rate at the end of the follow-up. A total of 16 patients were included in this study, with a tumor size of 7.04±1.53 cm (range, 5.2-10.8 cm). No intraoperative tumor rupture occurred. The median duration of surgery was 88.1±31.9 min, with an estimated blood loss volume of 37.1±18.7 ml. No patient required a blood transfusion. The mean time until the start of oral intake for fluid and solid diets was 1.1±0.6 and 2.5±0.9 days, respectively. The median length of post-operative hospital stay was 5.4±5.8 days. The follow-up period for all patients was 16.9±11.2 months (range, 2-38 months). No local or distant recurrence was observed. The study indicates that laparoscopic resection for large gastric GISTs is feasible and safe. Laparoscopic surgery should be considered as the standard approach in all cases, irrespective of tumor size or location.

Laparoscopic versus open wedge resection for gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach: a single-center 8-year retrospective cohort study of 156 patients with long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compared laparoscopic (LWR) and open wedge resection (OWR) for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

METHODS

The data of 156 consecutive GISTs patients underwent LWR or OWR between January 2006 and December 2013 were collected retrospectively. The surgical outcomes and the long-term survival rates were compared. Besides, a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Clinicopathological characteristics of the patients were similar between the two groups. The LWR group was associated with less intraoperative blood loss (67.3 vs. 142.7 ml, P < 0.001), earlier postoperative flatus (2.3 vs. 3.2 days, P < 0.001), earlier oral intake (3.2 vs. 4.1 days, P < 0.001) and shorter postoperative hospital stay (6.0 vs. 8.0 days, P = 0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications was lower in LWR group but did not reach statistical significance (4/90, 4.4% vs. 8/66, 12.1%, P = 0.12). No significant difference was observed in 3-year relapse-free survival rate between the two groups (98.6% vs. 96.4%, P > 0.05). The meta-analysis revealed similar results except less overall complications in the LWR group (RR = 0.49, 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.95, P = 0.04). And the recurrence risk was similar in two group (RR = 0.80, 95% CI, 0.28 to 2.27, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

LWR is a technically and oncologically safe and feasible approach for gastric GISTs compared with OWR. Moreover, LWR appears to be a preferable choice with mini-invasive benefits.

Endoscopic-assisted laparoscopic resection for gastric subepithelial tumors

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic resection is considered the treatment of choice for gastric subepithelial tumors. Occasionally, it is necessary to perform an intraoperative gastroscopy to localize the lesion. There are no data in the literature addressing the factors that can predict when a combined laparoscopic-endoscopic approach will be needed.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study using a prospectively collected database was conducted. From January 2005 to December 2013, all the patients undergoing a laparoscopic gastric resection for subepithelial tumors irresectable by endoscopy were reviewed. Potential predictive factors for the need of an intraoperative endoscopy were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight consecutive patients (22 men and 16 women) with a mean age of 67 (41-86) years underwent laparoscopic gastric resection for subepithelial tumors. Fourteen (36.8%) patients required intraoperative endoscopic assessment. The only significant factors related to the need of endoscopic assessment during surgery were tumor growth pattern (P = 0.002) and size (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

An accurate description of tumor growth pattern and size by EUS is recommended in the preoperative assessment of gastric subepithelial tumors. Small tumors (≤18 mm) with an intraluminal growth may need a combined endoscopic-assisted laparoscopic management.

Laparoscopic versus open resection for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In past decades, laparoscopic surgery has been introduced for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Recently, additional studies comparing laparoscopic versus open surgery for gastric GISTs have been published, and an updated meta-analysis of this subject is necessary.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Comparative studies of laparoscopic and open surgery for gastric GISTs published before June 2014 were identified from databases. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to perform quality assessment and original data were extracted. The statistical software STATA (version 12.0) was used for the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Finally, 22 studies, including a total of 1,166 cases, meet the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The operation time was similar between laparoscopic and open surgery. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic resection was associated withless blood loss (WMD = -58.91 ml; 95% CI, -84.60 to -33.22 ml; P <0.01); earlier time to flatus (WMD = -1.31 d; 95% CI, -1.56 to -1.06, P <0.01) and oral diet (WMD = -1.75 d; 95% CI, -2.12 to -1.39; P <0.01); shorter hospital stay (WMD = -3.68 d; 95% CI, -4.47 to -2.88; P <0.01); and decreased overall complications (relative risk = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.89; P = 0.01). For long-term outcomes, there were no significant differences between two surgical procedures on recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgery for gastric GISTs is acceptable for selective patients with better short-term outcomes compared with open surgery. The long-term survival situation of patients mainly depends on the nature of tumor itself, and laparoscopic surgery was not associated with worse oncological outcomes.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of safety and efficacy of laparoscopic resection for gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic resection for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the stomach with systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The literature database before March, 2014 was extensively searched to retrieve the comparative studies of laparoscopic (LAP) and open resection (OPEN) for GISTs with a relevance of study goal. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were formulated. After a quality evaluation, the data were extracted. The Cochrane collaboration RevMan5.1 version software was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

There are nineteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The total sample size of these studies was 1,060 cases. The operation time was similar between the two groups [weighted mean difference (WMD) -7.20 min, 95 % confidence interval (CI) -25.65 to 11.25, P = 0.44)]. Compared to OPEN, however, LAP experienced less blood loss (WMD -54.21 ml, 95 % CI -82.65 to -25.77, P < 0.01), earlier time to flatus (WMD -1.34 days, 95 % CI -1.62 to -1.06, P < 0.01) and oral diet (WMD -1.80 days, 95 % CI -2.18 to -1.42, P < 0.01), shorter hospital stay (WMD -3.68 days, 95 % CI -4.52 to -2.85, P < 0.01) and decrease in overall complications [relative risk (RR) 0.51, 95 % CI 0.32-0.80, P < 0.01)]. In addition, the long-term follow-up result shows that there is no significant difference in the two groups of patients.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic resection for gastric GISTs is a safe and feasible procedure with less blood loss, less overall complications and quicker recovery. The long-term survival situation of patients mainly depends on the tumor itself risk, and laparoscopic surgery will not increase the risks of tumor relapse and metastasis.

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for small upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer

BACKGROUND

This prospective study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) for small (≤3 cm) upper gastrointestinal (GI) subepithelial tumors (SETs) originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer.

METHODS

Between August 2011 and February 2013, a total of 85 patients with upper GI SETs originating from the MP layer were treated with STER. The key steps were as follows: (1) locating the tumor by injection of methylene blue or indigo carmine and then creating a submucosal tunnel from 5 cm above the tumor between the submucosal and muscular layers; (2) resecting the tumor by endoscopic resection techniques; (3) closing the mucosal incision site with several clips after the tumor is removed.

RESULTS

Of the 85 SETs, 60 were located in the esophagus, 16 in the cardia, and 9 in the stomach. STER was successfully performed in all cases (success rate: 100 %). The mean tumor size was 19.2 mm. The mean procedure time was 57.2 min. The average hospital stay after the procedure was 5.9 days. Pathological diagnosis of the tumors were leiomyoma (65/85), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) (19/85), and calcifying fibrous tumor (1/85). During the procedure, eight patients developed pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, and/or pneumoperitoneum. These patients recovered after conservative treatment. The rate of all complications was significantly higher for lesions originating in the deeper MP layer (70 %) than in the superficial MP layer (1.3 %; p < 0.001). The total complication rate for different histological diagnoses was also significantly different (26.3 % for GISTs, 4.6 % for leiomyomas, 0 % for calcifying fibrous tumors, p < 0.05). No residual or recurrent tumors were detected during the follow-up period (median: 8 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection appears to be a feasible, safe, and effective procedure for treatment of small (≤3 cm) upper GI SETs originating from the MP layer.

Optimizing surgical and imatinib therapy for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

INTRODUCTION

The discovery of activating KIT and PDGFRα mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) represented a milestone as it allowed clinicians to use tyrosine kinase inhibitors, like imatinib, to treat this sarcoma. Although surgery remains the only potentially curative treatment, patients who undergo complete resection may still experience local recurrence or distant metastases. Therapeutic strategies that combine surgical resection and adjuvant imatinib may represent the best treatment to maximize patient outcomes. In addition to the use of imatinib in the adjuvant and metastatic settings, neoadjuvant imatinib, employed as a cytoreductive therapy, can decrease tumor volume, increase the probability of complete resection, and may reduce surgery-related morbidities. Thus, selected patients with metastatic disease may be treated with a combination of preoperative imatinib and metastasectomy. However, it is critical that patients with GIST be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team to coordinate surgery and targeted therapy in order to maximize clinical outcomes.

DISCUSSION

Following a systematic literature review, we describe the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of GIST, with a discussion of the risk assessment for imatinib therapy. The application of surgical options, combined with adjuvant/neoadjuvant or perioperative imatinib, and their potential impact on survival for patients with primary, recurrent, or metastatic GIST are discussed.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach: the role of laparoscopic resection. Single-centre experience of 38 cases

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic resection is considered the gold standard of treatment only for small gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2004 and September 2012, 38 consecutive gastric GISTs were operated on by laparoscopic approach, without conversions. Thirty-five cases were primary GISTs and three were bleeding GISTs with hepatic metastases non-responding to conservative therapy treated by emergency surgery.

RESULTS

Median tumor size was 3.63 cm (1.8-17 cm). In two cases tumor size was <2 cm, between 2 and 5 cm in 26 cases, between 5 and 10 cm in eight cases, and >10 cm in two cases. In two cases, localization was in the cardia, fundus in ten cases, lesser curve in 11 cases, greater curve in 12 cases, and antrum in three cases. We performed 24 wedge resections, eight transgastric resections and six antrectomies. An Endo-GIA™ was used in 25 cases, and a manual laparoscopic reconstruction with extramucosal suture was performed in 13 cases. No postoperative mortality and morbidity was observed. The routine use of laparoscopy allowed us to perform resections in 100 % of cases, even in those where preoperative imaging suggested an open approach according to the current guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a pre-resection endobag avoids spillage and seeding, thus increasing the possibility of resection. In conclusion, we consider the laparoscopic approach as mandatory in all cases, always considering the possibility of converting to the open technique when necessary.

Surgical resection should be taken into consideration for the treatment of small gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors

BACKGROUND

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends conservative follow-up for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) less than 2 cm. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical and pathological features of small gastric GISTs, re-evaluate the risk potential, and discuss the treatment strategy of small gastric GISTs.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 63 cases of small gastric GISTs (less than 2 cm) were resected surgically from May 2010 to March 2013 in our department. Clinicopathological factors were collected and the malignant potential of small gastric GISTs was analyzed.

RESULTS

The mitotic index of 14 out of 63 cases (22.22%) exceeded 5. The malignant potential of small gastric GISTs was related to tumor location (P = 0.0218). The mitotic index of 4 out of 8 GISTs (50%) located in gastric cardia exceeded 5, 8 out 28 GISTs (28.57%) located in the gastric fundus exceeded 5, and only 2 out of 27 GISTs (7.41%) located in the gastric body exceeded 5. We also discovered a good consistency between mitotic index and Ki-67 expression of small gastric GISTs.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric GISTs less than 2 cm also have malignant potential. Thus, we recommended surgical resection of all small gastric GISTs once diagnosed.

Laparoscopic versus open resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors

The aims of this study were to explore whether laparoscopic surgical resections of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) would produce better perioperative and similar oncologic outcomes compared with open surgical resection in Chinese patients. Thirty-six gastric GISTs cases were divided into a minimally invasive laparoscopic group and open resection group, depending on the surgical approach that was used. The general preoperative information, operative time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative time to first flatulence, postoperative complications, postoperative hospital stay, total hospitalization costs, and such follow-up data as recurrence, metastasis, and mortality rates were compared between two groups. Among the 36 gastric GISTs, 15 received laparoscopic surgical treatment (laparoscopy group, n=15), and 21 received routine open resection treatment (open resection group, n=21). The laparoscopy group and the open resection group showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in incision length (7.8±2.3 vs. 16.9±3.8 cm), postoperative time to first flatulence (3.8±1.3 vs. 5.1±2.1 d), postoperative hospitalization time (7.6±2.5 vs. 11.3±3.7 d), and total cost of hospitalization (RMB 28,239±5,521 vs. RMB 23,761±5,362). There were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) between the laparoscopy group and the open resection group in operative time (147.8±59.3 vs. 139.2±62.1 min) and intraoperative blood loss (149.8±98.9 vs. 154.2±99.3 mL). Both groups had no postoperative complications, no recurrence and metastasis, and no postoperative mortality. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in postoperative complications, postoperative recurrence and metastasis, and postoperative mortality. In conclusion, compared with open resection, the laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs offers the advantages of less trauma, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stay.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection of gastric ectopic pancreas

Patients with gastric tumors usually present with symptoms of discomfort or pain in the epigastrium, regurgitations, nausea, vomiting or melena. Treatment options include open and laparoscopic total or partial gastrectomy and recently endoscopic mucosal resection. A case of successful endoscopic submucosal dissection is described with the unusual pathological finding of heterotopic pancreatic tissue forming a gastric tumor. The 67-year-old male patient was operated on due to the initial diagnosis of gastro-intestinal stromal tumor of the gastric trunk. Two intra-operative biopsies were negative for cancer cells. Submucosal endoscopic dissection was performed with IT and Hook knives (Olympus). A literature review was performed. The operative time was 180 min with hospital stay of 6 days. During the injection of the carmine dye and the air insufflation pneumoperitoneum occurred and remained clinically silent during the observation period. The pathology result showed a heterotopic pancreatic tissue type 2 according to Heinrich's classification with microfoci of intestinal metaplasia. Preoperative diagnostics of gastric masses might be misleading and such tumors not necessarily should be excised. There are several surgical options with endoscopic submucosal dissection being probably the safest one and a non-disabling approach. Patients tolerate that kind of surgery well with good postoperative functional outcomes.

Laparoscopic versus open resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Surgical treatment is the only chance of cure for patients with a primary localized GIST. A laparoscopic approach has been considered reasonable for these tumors of gastric origin. The current study compares the outcome of laparoscopic versus open resection of gastric GISTs and compares our series with the few published studies comparing the open versus the laparoscopic approach.

METHODS

From a prospectively collected database, we found 53 primary gastric GIST resections that were performed in our department. Laparoscopic (LAP) resections were performed in 37 patients and traditional (OPEN) resections in 16 patients. Clinical and pathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes were analyzed according to surgical procedure.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent LAP or OPEN resection of gastric GISTs did not differ with respect to age at operation, gender, clinical presentation, and tumor size. Operative time was significantly lower for LAP than for OPEN resection, with a mean duration of 45 and 132.5 min, respectively (p < 0.001). LAP resection yielded a significantly shorter length of stay (median 7 vs. 14 days; p = 0.007) and lower 30-day morbidity rate (2.7 % vs. 18.9 %; p = 0.077). The operative mortality was 12.5 % after OPEN resection and there was no operative mortality after LAP (p = 0.087). The recurrence rate was significantly lower after LAP surgery (0 % vs. 37.5 %; p < 0.001). All patients in the LAP group are alive without recurrence, and 25 % (4/16) of the OPEN group are alive with recurrence but in complete remission under imatinib mesylate treatment. Two patients of the open group died due to progression of GIST (p = 0.087).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to open resection, laparoscopic resection of gastric stromal tumors is associated with a shorter operation time, a shorter hospital stay, and a lower recurrence rate.

Totally laparoscopic resection for a large gastrointestinal stromal tumor of stomach

A debate is currently ongoing about whether a large gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) should be treated by the laparoscopic approach because of the increased risk of tumor rupture during manipulation of the tumor with laparoscopic instruments and the resultant peritoneal tumor dissemination. Herein, we report a case of a large GIST of the stomach which was successfully treated by the laparoscopic approach. A 57 year old female patient visited our institution complaining of postprandial epigastric discomfort. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy and an abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a 10×8 cm sized submucosal tumor at the greater curvature side of the gastric antrum. The patient underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with intracorporeal Billroth-II reconstruction without any breakage of the tumor. Her postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. Even a large GIST of the stomach can safely be treated by the laparoscopic approach when it is performed with proper techniques by an experienced surgeon.

Laparoscopically assisted resections of small bowel stromal tumors are safe and effective

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of laparoscopically assisted and open resections in treatment of small bowel stromal tumors (SBST).

METHODS

A retrospective study of 85 patients who underwent curative resections for SBST (38 by laparoscopically assisted procedures and 47 by open procedures) was performed.

RESULTS

There were no differences between open and laparoscopically assisted approaches in terms of patients' age, gender, presenting symptoms, histological risk or extent of resection (P > 0.05). The median tumor size for laparoscopically assisted resections was 4.0 cm (range 1.2-7.0 cm), which was the same as that for the open resections (range 2.0-10.0 cm). There were fewer complications in the laparoscopic group than those in the open resection group (7.9% vs 17.0%), but no significant difference was observed (P > 0.05). The 2-year survival of the two patient groups was almost the same (86.8% vs 89.4%). Laparoscopically assisted procedures required on average 22.5 min less of operating time (87.5 min vs 110.0 min, P = 0.006), 1.0 day less of bowel recovery time (3.0 days vs 4.0 days, P = 0.001) and 5.0 days less in hospital stay (8.0 days vs 13.0 days, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopically assisted resection of SBST is a safe alternative to open resection.