Abstract
BackgroundMetastatic tumours of the stomach present a clinical dilemma for the surgeon. Palliative surgical resection can alleviate symptoms and prolong survival in selected patients. However, previous studies have used open methods of surgical resection with potentially high morbidity and mortality. We describe the use of laparoscopic wedge resection of the stomach for palliative resection of metastatic melanoma to highlight the benefits of this technique.Case presentationA 58 year old male was investigated for iron deficiency anaemia while under treatment for pulmonary metastatic malignant melanoma. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 5 cm diameter ulcer on the anterior wall of the stomach, biopsies from the ulcer confirmed metastatic melanoma. Laparoscopic wedge resection of the stomach lesion was performed without complication.ConclusionLaparoscopic approach has many benefits and is useful for the palliative resection of rare tumours of the stomach in order to preserve the quality of life. Its use should be considered in selected patients.
Highlights
Metastatic tumours of the stomach present a clinical dilemma for the surgeon
Laparoscopic approach has many benefits and is useful for the palliative resection of rare tumours of the stomach in order to preserve the quality of life
Its use should be considered in selected patients
Summary
Metastatic tumours of the stomach present a clinical dilemma for the surgeon. Palliative surgical resection can alleviate symptoms and prolong survival in selected patients. Previous studies have used open methods of surgical resection with potentially high morbidity and mortality. We describe the use of laparoscopic wedge resection of the stomach for palliative resection of metastatic melanoma to highlight the benefits of this technique. Previous studies have shown that surgical resection offers good symptom palliation, prevents future emergency presentation and prolongs survival [1,2,3]. These patients often only have a median of 6 to 12 months life expectancy [1,3] and offering surgical treatment poses a clinical dilemma. LWR of the stomach is popular technique in Japan for curative resection of early gastric adenocarcinoma[5] and there are anecdotal reports describing the use of this technique for the resection of other metastatic lesions to the stomach [6] It has many advantages compared with open surgery, especially for (page number not for citation purposes)
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