Combined minimal-invasive procedures for resection of benign gastric wall tumors

Abstract

With the increased use of endoscopic techniques, the rare, benign submucosal gastric tumors are being detected more frequently. We report our results with a combined laparoscopic-endoscopic approach for minimally invasive resection of these tumors. The intraoperative endoscopy allows precise localization of the lesion by direct visualization and diaphanoscopy. Extragastral wedge resection of the stomach using the lifting method was carried out in patient with tumors of the anterior wall, lesser curvature and greater curvature. In tumors of the posterior wall, near the cardia or pylorus we performed an intragastric resection. One trocar with a balloon was inserted into the stomach. This trocar was used to introduce the endostapler into the stomach. We performed this combined laparoscopic-endoscopic resection in 9 patients (5 extragastral; 4 intragastral). The tumor size of intragastral resection was 34 +/- 5 mm (range 28 to 41 mm) and 36 +/- 7 mm (range 26 to 47 mm) in intragastral resections. The histological examination revealed 7 gastric stromal tumors and 2 leiomyomas. There were no intra- or postoperative complications. The oral nutrition started on p.o. day 2. Hospital stay ranged from 4 to 8 days (6.4 days). The minimally invasive combined laparoscopic-endoscopic resection of benign gastric wall tumors is a safe procedure with a low mortality and morbidity. The tumor localisation is the main criterion for decision on an extra- or intragastral approach.