Endoscopy-Assisted Laparoscopic Resections for Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the safety, feasibility, and clinical curative effect of endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic resections for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively compared the general condition of 41 GIST patients undergoing endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic resections (n = 41, combined group) with those undergoing traditional open gastrectomy (n = 43, open surgery group).

RESULTS: All patients survived during the surgery. The average operation time of the combined group and the open surgery group was 90 ± 40 minutes and 120 ± 60 minutes, respectively, and no significant difference (P = .088) was observed. Bleeding volume during operation was significantly lower [(50 ± 20 versus 150 ± 40) mL, P < .001] and recovery time of the gastrointestinal function was significantly shorter in the combined group [(2.02 ± 0.99) days versus (3.02 ± 1) days, P < .001]. No statistical difference was found in the postoperative complications (5% versus 12%, P = .442) or GIST recurrence (2.44% versus 2.33%, P = 1.000) between the two groups. Follow-up visit showed no death.

CONCLUSION: For GIST patients who attempted to receive gastrectomy, endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic resections showed advantages on the operation time, bleeding volume, and recovery time and are suggested as a better alternative for GISTs.