Resection Of Gastric Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Research Articles

Is laparoscopic approach as treatment of large gastric GIST acceptable?

Laparoscopic surgery is widely used for small gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) (≤ 5cm) but remains a controversial approach for larger gastric GISTs (> 5cm). This study aims to compare short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic resection in comparison with open resection for gastric GISTs measuring over 5cm. All patients receiving surgery for gastric GIST > 5cm between 2000 and 2021 in a single tertiary hospital were included. Data were collected from prospectively maintained records. Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test were used to compare survival outcomes. Among 108 included patients, 59 patients had minimally invasive (MI) surgery (54.6%) whereas 49 patients had open surgery (46.4%). The rate of overall postoperative morbidity was 14.8% and the median length was significantly shorter in the MI group [4 (range 2-30) vs. 7 (range 4-33) days; P = 0.007]. The overall R0 resection rate was 98.2% and the rate of tumor rupture was 13%, not different between the two groups. Recurrence occurred in 24% of the whole population without any difference between groups (20.3% vs. 28.7%, p = 0.31). Minimally invasive surgery was not found as a negative prognostic disease-free survival factor. Laparoscopic surgery could be a safe and feasible alternative to open surgery in large gastric GIST, bringing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery without compromising oncologic results.

Easier way of managing gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor located at unusual site: a case report

Intraluminal gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) located at the posterior wall and near the gastroesophageal (GE) junction represent a surgical challenge. We present a easier laparoscopic assisted mini laparotomy approach for resection of gastric GISTs of such location. A 42 years old female presented with history of Malena and anemia. Endoscopic and contrast enhaced computerised tomography (CECT) scan findings were suggestive of GIST arising from posterior wall along lesser curvature in proximal body of stomach. We planned her for surgical resection of tumor. During laparoscopy, posterior wall stomach was completely mobilised after dividing gastrocolic and phrenogastric ligaments. Due to unfavourable location of tumor in posterior wall and proximity to GE junction, accessibility for negative resection margin was difficult, so we did mini laparotomy (approx 5 cm midline incision) and already mobilised stomach is delivered out, wedge resection of tumor done after assuring resection margin with direct palpation. GISTs of the posterior wall and in close proximity to the GE junction can be safely resected with laparoscopic assistance using such an approach. This technique is useful alternative in unavailability of simultaneous laparoscopy with endoscopy as required in laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery in such locations of tumor.

ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of Gastrointestinal Subepithelial Lesions.

Subepithelial lesions (SEL) of the GI tract represent a mix of benign and potentially malignant entities including tumors, cysts, or extraluminal structures causing extrinsic compression of the gastrointestinal wall. SEL can occur anywhere along the GI tract and are frequently incidental findings encountered during endoscopy or cross-sectional imaging. This clinical guideline of the American College of Gastroenterology was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation process and is intended to suggest preferable approaches to a typical patient with a SEL based on the currently available published literature. Among the recommendations, we suggest endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with tissue acquisition to improve diagnostic accuracy in the identification of solid nonlipomatous SEL and EUS fine-needle biopsy alone or EUS fine-needle aspiration with rapid on-site evaluation sampling of solid SEL. There is insufficient evidence to recommend surveillance vs resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) <2 cm in size. Owing to their malignant potential, we suggest resection of gastric GIST >2 cm and all nongastric GIST. When exercising clinical judgment, particularly when statements are conditional suggestions and/or treatments pose significant risks, health-care providers should incorporate this guideline with patient-specific preferences, medical comorbidities, and overall health status to arrive at a patient-centered approach.

Effect of endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the stomach under double-channel gastroscopy: A retrospective observational study.

We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic resection for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) under single-channel gastroscopy and double-channel gastroscopy.We identified 154 patients with GISTs of the stomach who underwent endoscopic resection and were retrospectively analyzed at our hospital between May 2016 and March 2020, including 49 patients by single-channel gastroscopy and 105 patients by double-channel gastroscopy. We observed the clinical efficacy, complications, and safety of endoscopic resection of gastric GISTs, and the data were evaluated retrospectively.All patients underwent endoscopic resection successfully, without conversion to open surgery. In the single-channel gastroscopy group, 7 patients had lesions in the gastric cardia, 17 in the gastric fundus, 20 in the gastric corpus, and 5 in the gastric antrum. In the double-channel gastroscopy group, 13 patients had lesions in the gastric cardia, 34 in the gastric fundus, 46 in the gastric body, 10 in the gastric antrum, 1 in the pylorus, and 1 in the gastric angular incisure. The double-channel gastroscopy group had a shorter operation time than the single-channel gastroscopy group (59.9 ± 34.9 minutes vs 74.8 ± 26.7 minutes; P = .009 and P < .01, respectively), while they also had a lower perforation rate than the single-channel gastroscopy group (34.3% vs 51.0%; P = .048 and P < .05, respectively). No residual or recurrent lesions were discovered in any patients by gastroscopy reexamination.Both single-channel gastroscopy and double-channel gastroscopy can provide safe, effective, feasible endoscopic resection. However, double-channel gastroscopy has some distinct advantages in endoscopic resection.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Prediction of Malignant Potential of Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.

This study aimed to investigate whether AI via a deep learning algorithm using endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) images could predict the malignant potential of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). A series of patients who underwent EUS before surgical resection for gastric GISTs were included. A total of 685 images of GISTs from 55 retrospectively included patients were used as the training data set for the AI system. Convolutional neural networks were constructed to build a deep learning model. After applying the synthetic minority oversampling technique, 70% of the generated images were used for AI training and 30% were used to test AI diagnoses. Next, validation was performed using 153 EUS images of 15 patients with GISTs. In addition, conventional EUS features of 55 patients in the training cohort were evaluated to predict the malignant potential of GISTs and mitotic index. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the AI system for predicting malignancy risk were 83%, 94%, and 82% in the training dataset, and 75%, 73%, and 66% in the validation cohort, respectively. When patients were divided into low-risk and high-risk groups, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy increased to 99% in the training dataset and 99.7%, 99.7%, and 99.6%, respectively, in the validation cohort. No conventional EUS features were found to be associated with either malignant potential or mitotic index (P > 0.05). AI via a deep learning algorithm using EUS images could predict the malignant potential of gastric GISTs with high accuracy.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Surgery for Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: a Propensity Score Matching Analysis

BackgroundSurgery is the first choice for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). With the development of new instruments and techniques, the popularity of laparoscopic resection of GISTs has increased rapidly. Previous studies on the advantages of laparoscopic resection over open surgery are generally limited by methodology or data capacity. This study evaluated the efficacy of laparoscopic resection and open surgery in gastric GISTs using the propensity score matching (PSM) method. MethodsBetween January 2005 and December 2017, 1027 patients were diagnosed with primary GIST at our institution. Among them, 548 patients were enrolled in this study. Standard demographic and clinicopathological data were collected from our database. Selection bias was eliminated using the PSM methods. ResultsAfter PSM, 256 cases involved in the comparison (128 laparoscopic (LAP) vs. 128 open surgery (OPEN)) were randomly matched (1:1) by age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, year of surgery, tumor location, tumor size, mitotic rate, and treatment with adjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The LAP group was superior to the OPEN group in blood loss (χ2 = 6.048, P = 0.049), time to first flatus (49.41±7.56 vs. 71.31±4.87 h, P < 0.001), and hospital stay (10.21±6.05 vs. 12.56±5.43 days, P = 0.001). No significant differences were seen in either the relapse-free survival or overall survival between the LAP and OPEN groups. In tumors located in favorable locations, the LAP group showed less blood loss (P = 0.008) and less multivisceral resection (17.8% vs. 5.5%, P = 0.02). ConclusionsLaparoscopic resection for gastric GISTs is associated with improved surgical outcomes and postoperative courses and comparable oncological outcomes, regardless of favorable or unfavorable tumor location.

Minimally invasive surgery for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

Minimally invasive surgery has been increasingly performed for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). In this review we discuss and summarize the current evidence on minimally invasive surgery for gastric GISTs. Laparoscopic resection for gastric GIST has been consistently shown to be associated with superior perioperative outcomes with no compromise in oncological outcomes when compared to open resection in numerous retrospective case-control studies. It has also been shown to be safe and feasible for large tumors or tumors located in unfavorable sites. However, to date, there remains a lack of level 1 evidence from prospective randomized control trials in support of laparoscopic resection.

Prognostic role of tumor necrosis in patients undergoing curative resection for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a multicenter analysis of 740 cases in China.

Tumor necrosis is associated with poor clinical outcomes in many malignancies. We aimed to determine whether tumor necrosis was an independent predictor of outcomes in gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). We retrospectively analyzed data from 740 patients undergoing curative resection for gastric GIST at four centers between 2001 and 2015. Disease‐free survival (DFS) was estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method, and associations with prognosis were assessed with Cox regression models. Tumor necrosis was present in 122 cases (16.5%). The prevalence of tumor necrosis increased with higher risk‐stratification, including 0.7%, 7.4%, 17.3%, and 39.3% for very low‐, low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk tumors, respectively (P < 0.001). Tumor necrosis was associated with aggressive tumor biology, such as larger tumor size, higher mitotic index, tumor rupture, and presence of nuclear atypia (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor necrosis was an independent predictor of unfavorable DFS (HR: 2.641; 95% CI: 1.359–5.131; P = 0.004). When stratified by the modified National Institutes of Health (NIH) classification, tumor necrosis still independently predicted DFS in high‐risk patients (P = 0.001) but not in non‐high‐risk patients (P = 0.349). The 5‐year DFS rate in high‐risk patients with and without tumor necrosis was 56.5% and 82.9%, respectively (P = 0.004). Notably, the prognostic significance of tumor necrosis was maintained when the patients were stratified by age, sex, tumor location, tumor size, and mitotic index (All P < 0.05). Tumor necrosis is a useful predictor of outcomes in gastric GIST, especially in high‐risk patients. Based on these results, we recommend that the current NIH classification should be further improved and expanded to include tumor necrosis as a valuable prognostic indicator.

Retrospective study of laparoscopic versus open gastric resection for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors based on the propensity score matching method.

Surgical resection with a free margin is considered the gold standard for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Previous studies about the advantages of laparoscopic resection versus open surgery have generally been non-randomized and retrospective and have some obvious shortcomings that could influence the veracity and reliability of the results. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic resection in the treatment of gastric GISTs using the propensity score matching (PSM) method. Between 2005 and 2014, 217 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic or open resection for gastric GISTs were enrolled in a retrospective, single-center study. Patient and tumor characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative characteristics, and oncologic outcomes were collected from a database. The efficacy of the laparoscopic approach was analyzed using the PSM method by comparing the clinical parameters of patients who underwent laparoscopic (LAP) and open resection (OPEN) procedures. After PSM, 88 patients involved in the analysis (44 LAP vs. 44 OPEN) were randomly matched (1:1) by tumor size, localization, disease course, body mass index, age, and gender. The LAP group was clearly superior to the open group in terms of intraoperative indicators and postoperative short-term efficacy. The incidence of postoperative complications in the LAP group was lower than in the OPEN group (4.5 vs. 18.2%, P=0.044). A survival analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the disease-free survival time between the two groups (χ 2=0.211, P=0.646). These data should be processed using the PSM method in a non-randomized controlled trial (non-RCT) study. It is safe and feasible for patients with gastric GISTs up to 5cm in size or located in the gastroesophageal junction to be treated with laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic transgastric resection for intraluminal gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors located at the posterior wall and near the gastroesophageal junction

Intraluminal gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) located at the posterior wall and near the gastroesophageal junction represent a surgical challenge. We present our experience of laparoscopic transgastric resection for gastric GISTs of such location. Data of seven patients undergoing laparoscopic transgastric resection were identified and retrospectively reviewed with regard to procedural steps and patient outcomes. Seven patients (4 men; mean age 64.1±14.6years) with gastric GISTs underwent laparoscopic transgastric resection from January 2010 to May 2015. Three of the seven GISTs were located near the gastroesophageal junction and the rest were found in the posterior wall of the stomach. All seven patients underwent successful laparoscopic resection without any conversions. There were no mortalities and no significant postoperative complications. Intraoperative endoscopy was performed for all patients. The mean operative time was 164.0±59.1minutes. Regular diet was resumed within 3days on average and mean postoperative stay was 3.6±1.3days. All patients achieved complete R0 resection with a mean tumor size of 5.5±1.1cm. At a mean follow-up of 48.0±13.4months, all patients were recurrence free. GISTs of the posterior wall and in close proximity to the gastroesophageal junction can be safely resected laparoscopically using such an approach. Standard technique is required to achieve good oncological outcomes.

Comparative study of laparoscopic and open surgery for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors

To investigate the feasibility and short-term efficacy of laparoscopic resection of primary localized gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) by comparing with open surgery. Clinicopathological data of 167 gastric GIST patients undergoing operation in Zhongshan Hospital from June 2008 to December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed, among whom 55 received laparoscopic surgery and 112 underwent open surgery for primary local gastric GIST. Efficacy of different size and different location of GIST was compared between laparoscopic and open groups. There was no conversion to open surgery in laparoscopy group. Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic resection for gastric GIST smaller than 5 cm or located at anterior wall, greater curvature, lesser curvature, was associated with similar operation time(P>0.05), but less blood loss, shorter post-hospital stay or flatus time(all P<0.05). The operative outcomes were similar between laparoscopic and open resection for gastric GIST bigger than or equal to 5 cm or located at posterior wall(all P>0.05), except the longer operation time in laparoscopy group(P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complication did not differ between two groups. Laparoscopic group had 2 patients with gastroparesis and open group had 2 gastroparesis, 2 pulmonary infection, and 1 poor wound healing(all P>0.05), which all recovered after conservative treatment. During 7 to 84 months(median 35) of follow-up, no recurrence or hepatic metastasis was found in laparoscopy group, and 3 hepatic metastases in open group. There was no significant difference of recurrence-free survival between two groups(P>0.05). Laparoscopic resection for gastric GIST is safe and effective in selected patients, especially for those with tumors smaller than 5 cm, or located at anterior wall, greater curvature, lesser curvature, whose short-term outcomes are better than open resection.

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.

Long-term functional outcomes of laparoscopic resection for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Laparoscopic resection is rapidly becoming the treatment of choice for small- to medium-sized gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). While long-term oncologic data are available, quality of life outcomes are less known. Our IRB-approved prospectively maintained database was retrospectively queried (2003-2013) for patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric GIST resection. Demographics along with perioperative and oncologic outcomes were collected and analyzed. Patients were contacted and asked to complete a quality of life survey consisting of Likert scales scored from 1 to 5. Patients also completed the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). A total of 69 patients were identified and 36 patients (59.0% of eligible patients) responded to the survey. Median follow-up was 39 months. Patients most commonly reported no change in weight, appetite, early satiety, heartburn, persistent cough, dysphagia, and reflux medication dosing postoperatively. The median scores for chest pain and regurgitation were 4, falling in the "worsened" range. 8.33% of patients reported worsened chest pain and 11.11% of patients reported worsened regurgitation postoperatively. The GIQLI scores had a mean of 126.9 (range 77-141). While some patients reported a worsening in early satiety, most patients reported no change in symptoms postoperatively, and the GIQLI scores remained within the normal range. Laparoscopic resection of gastric GIST provides durable results with minimal effect on longer-term quality of life.

Prognostic Factors of Patients with Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor after Curative Resection: A Retrospective Analysis of 406 Consecutive Cases in a Multicenter Study

Background/Purpose: Gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have a highly variable clinical course, and recurrent disease sometimes develops despite curative surgery. This study was undertaken to investigate the surgical role in treating gastric GISTs and evaluate the clinicopathological features of a large series of patients who underwent curative resection for gastric GISTs to clarify which features were independent prognostic factors. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 406 patients with gastric GISTs who underwent curative resection at 4 university hospitals in Daegu, South Korea, from March 1998 to March 2012 were reviewed. All cases were confirmed as gastric GISTs by immunohistochemical staining, in which CD117 or CD34 was positive. Clinical follow-up was performed periodically, and disease-free survival rates were retrospectively investigated using the medical records. Results: The mean follow-up period was 42.9 months (range: 2-166). There were 11 recurrent patients (2.7%). Due to the small number of recurrences, age, sex and location were controlled using propensity score matching before performing any statistical analysis. Tumor size, mitotic count, NIH classification, and cellularity were judged to be independent prognostic factors for recurrence by univariate analysis. In a multivariate analysis, tumor size and mitotic count were significantly and independently related to recurrence, and tumor size was determined to be the most important prognostic factor for recurrence after curative resection (hazard ratio: 1.204; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The results of this multicenter study demonstrate that disease-free survival rates are good. Tumor size was disclosed as the most important factor for recurrence in gastric GIST patients who underwent radical resection.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Open vs. Laparoscopic Resection of Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.

Gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract, and surgical resection is the primary treatment of early disease. Limited data exist concerning laparoscopic resections of these neoplasms. This systematic review was designed to evaluate the literature comparing laparoscopic and open surgical resection of gastric GISTs and to assess the effectiveness and safety of this minimally invasive technique. We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, the clinical trials database and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses as well as the past 3 years of conference abstracts from the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons Annual Meetings. Studies comparing the open and the laparoscopic approaches to the resection of gastric GISTs were included in this systematic review. Two reviewers independently performed the screen of titles and abstracts, the full manuscript review, the data extraction and the risk of bias assessment. A quantitative analysis was performed. Of the 189 studies identified, seven studies were included. The laparoscopic approach was associated with a significantly lower length of hospital stay (3.82 days (2.14 - 5.49)). There was no observed difference in operative time, adverse events, estimated blood loss, overall survival and recurrence rates. This study supports that laparoscopic resection is safe and effective for gastric GISTs and is associated with a significantly lower length of hospital stay. Further trials are needed for cost analysis and to rigorously assess oncologic outcomes.

Laparoscopic resection of large gastric GISTs: feasibility and long-term results.

Laparoscopy is the procedure of choice for the resection of gastric Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) smaller than 2 cm; there is still debate regarding the most appropriate operative approach for larger GISTs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs larger than 2 cm. Between 2007 and 2011, we prospectively enrolled all patients affected by gastric GIST larger than 2 cm. Exclusion criteria for the laparoscopic approach were the presence of metastases and the absence of any involvement of the esophago-gastric junction, the pyloric canal, or any adjacent organ. Final diagnosis of GIST was confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Follow-up assessment included abdominal CT scans every 6 months for the first 2 years and yearly thereafter. Twenty-four consecutive patients were enrolled. Twenty-one patients (87.5%) were symptomatic. The most common symptoms were gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain. The mean tumor size was 5.51 cm (range 2.5-12.0 cm). GISTs were located in the lesser curvature in five cases (20.8%), in the greater curvature in seven cases (29.1%), in the posterior wall in one case (4.1%), in the anterior wall in eight cases (33.3%), and in the fundus in 3 cases (12.5%). Laparoscopic resection was possible in all cases and took on average of 55 min (range 30-105 min). Median blood loss was 24 ml. No major intraoperative complications were observed. Mortality rate was 0%. Median postoperative stay was 3 days. No patients were lost to follow-up. No recurrences occurred after a median follow-up period of 75 months. Although larger randomized controlled trials comparing different surgical strategies for large gastric GISTs are warranted, our study supports the evidence that laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs is feasible, safe, and effective on long-term clinical outcome even for lesions up to 12 cm.

Laparoscopic versus Open Resection for Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Meta-analysis

We conducted our meta-analysis to compare outcomes between laparoscopic resection and open resection for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) from all published comparative studies in the literature. Databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, Web of Science, and CNKI, were searched to identify studies comparing outcomes after laparoscopic resection and open resection for gastric GISTs. The meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.1. Eleven comparative studies comprising 495 patients were identified. Patients undergoing laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs were found to have similar operative time (weighted mean difference [WMD], 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], -16.01 to 11.43; P = 0.74) and complications rate (odds ratio [OR], 0.76; 95% CI, 0.36 to 1.58; P = 0.46). Less intraoperative blood loss (WMD, -55.91; 95% CI, -90.26 to -21.56; P = 0.001), earlier passing first flatus (WMD, -0.89, 95% CI, -1.60 to -0.18; P = 0.01), earlier having the first liquid diet (WMD, -1.54; 95% CI, -2.44 to -0.64; P = 0.0008), and shorter hospital stay (WMD, -4.25; 95% CI, -5.63 to -2.88; P < 0.00001) were observed in the laparoscopic resection group. The recurrence rate was higher in the group of open resection compared with the group of laparoscopic resection (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.75; P = 0.01). Laparoscopic resection is safe and efficient in the treatment of patients with gastric GISTs as compared with open resection procedure. Laparoscopic resection may be a preferred treatment for gastric GISTs.

Combined laparoscopic and endoscopic excision of a gastric gist

We read with interest the article by K. De Vogelaere, Laparoscopic resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) is safe and effective, irrespective of tumor size, published in Surgical Endoscopy 2012;26:2339–2345. We agree with the authors that the laparoscopic approach can be safely and effectively used to remove gastric stromal tumors irrespective of tumor size. Data from the literature show that the long-term results of the laparoscopic procedure are comparable with those reported after traditional open resection of gastric GIST [1–6]. Concerning the technique described by the authors, we think that for tumor located in the anterior wall, the wedge resection is the best technique to be used. For tumors located in the posterior wall, the technique described in the article is a good option for large tumors. For endophitic small tumors of the posterior stomach wall, however, another laparoscopic approach can be used. We have experienced and published an endoscopic–laparoscopic approach that allowed us to perform a mini-invasive surgery for tumors smaller than 2 cm in diameter located in the posterior wall of the stomach. By our proposed technique, laparoscopic removal of GIST was performed also for a patient with a tumor located close to the esophagogastric junction, which the authors ruled out in their series, probably because these tumors are technically challenging with the laparoscopic approach they reported. The technique we have published was performed using two 5-mm radially expandable trocars inserted through the abdominal and gastric walls to have very small incisions in the gastric wall. An endoscopic polipectomy snare introduced per mouth was maneuvered by an endoscopist, who grasped and tractioned the gastric iuxtacardial lesion. A harmonic scalpel device inserted through the 5-mm laparoscopic trocar was used to remove the gastric tumor with a submucosal resection. The resection of the lesion was accomplished thanks to the traction made by the endoscopist through the polipectomy snare, which allowed an excellent exposure of the dissection site. The specimen then was pulled away from the mouth after its introduction into a small plastic bag. After withdrawal of the expandable trocars, the gastric holes were closed with monofilament nonabsorbable sutures. A nasogastric tube was left in place for 2 days. The postoperative phase was uneventful. This laparoscopic–endoscopic technique made possible a complete resection of the submucosal GIST, which otherwise could have been more challenging with marked intraoperative risk of complications (e.g., perforation), considering the iuxtacardial location of the tumor. Our technique allows all the advantages of the laparoscopic surgery, avoids the gastrotomy, and at the same time satisfies the principles of oncologic surgery. In addition, GIST located in the iuxtacardial region may be resected safely and with less morbidity than with other laparoscopic or open approaches.

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.

Long term survival results for gastric GIST: is laparoscopic surgery for large gastric GIST feasible?

BackgroundRecently, laparoscopic resection for relatively small sized gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) has been widely accepted as minimally invasive surgery. However, no report on the long-term safety and efficacy of this surgery for large sized gastric GISTs has been published to date.MethodsBetween July 1998 and January 2011, 104 consecutive patients who underwent resection for gastric GISTs were enrolled in this retrospective study. We assessed the clinicopathological characteristics, postoperative outcomes, patient survival, and tumor recurrence.ResultsOf the 104 patients with gastric GISTs who were included in the study, there were 47 males and 57 females whose mean age was 59.8 years. Sixty-four patients (61.5%) had symptoms associated with tumor. Ten patients included in the group 1, 49 in the group 2, 15 in the group 3a, 9 in the group 5, 14 in the group 6a, and 7 in the group 6b. There was one minor complication and no mortalities. Recurrence was noted in 5 patients, with a median follow-up period of 49.3 months (range, 8.4 to 164.4). The 5-year overall and disease free survival rates of 104 patients were 98.6% and 94.8%, respectively. When comparing large tumor (5–10 cm) between laparoscopic and open surgery, there were statistically differences in age, tumor size, tumor location, and length of hospitalization. There were no statistical differences in the 5-year survival rate between laparoscopic and open surgery for large tumor (5-10cm).ConclusionLaparoscopic surgery is feasible and effective as an oncologic treatment of gastric GISTs. Moreover, laparoscopic surgery can be an acceptable alternative to open methods for gastric GISTs of size bigger than 5 cm.