Simultaneous use of laparoscopy and endoscopy for minimally invasive resection of gastric subepithelial masses - analysis of 93 interventions. World J Surg. 2008;32:1021-1028. [PMID: 18338207 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-008-9492-1]

Gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: therapeutic strategies and long-term prognosis

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and prognostic characteristics of primary gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

METHODS

Patients who underwent resection for primary gastric GIST between January 2002 and December 2017 were included. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Altogether, 653 patients were enrolled. The median patient age was 59 years (range 15-86 years). Open, laparoscopic, and endoscopic resections were performed in 394 (60.3%), 105 (16.1%), and 154 (23.6%) patients, respectively. According to the modified NIH consensus classification, 132 (20.2%), 245 (37.5%), 166 (25.4%), and 88 (13.5%) patients were categorized into very low-, low-, intermediate-, and high-risk, respectively. A total of 136 (20.8%) patients received adjuvant imatinib treatment. The median follow-up time was 78 months (range 4-219 months), and the estimated 5-year RFS rate was 93.0%. In all patients, tumor size and rupture, mitotic counts, and adjuvant imatinib treatment were independent prognostic factors. The prognosis of gastric GIST treated with endoscopic resection was not significantly different from that of laparoscopic or open resection after adjusting for covariates using propensity score matching (log-rank p = .558). Adjuvant imatinib treatment (HR = 0.151, 95%CI 0.055-0.417, p < .001) was a favorable prognostic factor for high-risk patients, but was not associated with prognosis in intermediate-risk patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients with small gastric GISTs who successfully underwent endoscopic resection may have a favorable prognosis. Adjuvant imatinib treatment improve the prognosis of high-risk gastric GISTs, however, its use in intermediate-risk patients remains controversial.

Single-incision transgastric resection for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors in anatomically challenging locations

Surgical resection is the mainstay treatment for resectable gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). However, resection in anatomically challenging locations, such as near the gastroesophageal junction, lesser curve and fundus, remain technically challenging. We herein report the outcomes of the largest series of patients who underwent single-incision transgastric resection of an intraluminal gastric GIST. Our reduced-port resection technique for intraluminal GISTs in these anatomically challenging locations involves a single incision in the left hypochondrium, deepened to access the gastric lumen, with the surgery completed in a transgastric manner. A total of 22 patients received surgery with this technique at the National University Hospital in Singapore from November 2012 to September 2020. The median operative time was 101 (range 50-253) min, with no conversions to open surgery, median lesion size 3.6 (range 1.8-8.2) cm and median postoperative length of stay 5 (range 1-13) days. There was no 30-day mortality and no recurrence during the follow-up period. Our laparoscopic approach for reduced-port transgastric excision of intraluminal GISTs allows for adequate surgical clearance, convenient extraction and secure gastrostomy closure with low morbidity.

Is single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) dependent on the location of the tumor?

BACKGROUND

We compared the surgical outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

METHODS

We performed single-incision gastric wedge resection on prospectively-enrolled 15 consecutive patients with gastric GIST between November 2020 and April 2022 in a single tertiary center. The early perioperative outcomes of these patients were compared to those of patients who underwent CLS. The indications did not differ from those for conventional laparoscopic procedures for gastric GIST.

RESULTS

In total, 30 patients were assigned to the SILS (n = 15) and CLS (n = 15) groups. There were no significant differences in the estimated blood loss and intraoperative blood transfusion between the SILS and CLS groups. There were no intraoperative complications or conversions to multiple-port or open surgery in the SILS group. Proximally located tumors were more commonly treated with CLS than with SILS (P = 0.045). GISTs located in the greater curvature were more commonly treated with SILS than with CLS, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). The mean incision length in the SILS group was 4.1 cm shorter than that in the CLS group (3.2 ± 0.7 and 7.3 ± 5.2 cm, respectively, P = 0.01). The postoperative analgesic dose was significantly lower in the SILS than in the CLS group (0.4 ± 1.4 and 2.1 ± 2.3, respectively P = 0.01). Also, the duration of postoperative use of analgesic was shorter in SILS than in CLS (0.4 ± 0.7 and 2.0 ± 1.8, respectively, P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in the early postoperative complications between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

SILS is as safe, feasible, and effective for the treatment of gastric GIST as CLS with comparable postoperative complications, pain, and cosmesis. Moreover, SILS can be considered without being affected by the type or location of the tumor.

Lap-Endo cooperative surgery (LECS) in gastric GIST: updates and future advances

BACKGROUND

With advancements in the field of laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques leading to improved patient outcomes, open resection has become increasingly outdated for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST). This is further superseded with the advent of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS), an amalgamation of the two techniques to further improve results garnered while overcoming prior limitations each had individually.

METHODS

The electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed were reviewed up to August 2021, using terms relating to LECS and gastric GIST. Relevant in-article references not returned in the searches were also considered.

RESULTS

Advancements in the field of laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques has led to improved patient outcomes, making open resection a thing of the past for gastric GIST. This has become even more apparent with the advent of LECS, coupling two cutting edge techniques to further improve results garnered while overcoming prior limitations each had individually. LECS has gained much favour by reducing surgical margins due to endoscopic visualisation without being limited to smaller tumours, allowing for better anatomical and functional preservation of prior anatomy. Furthermore, hybrid approaches have improved perioperative outcomes, with reduction in procedure time, post-procedure hospital stay and lesser complications. Additionally, subtypes of LECS such as inverted LECS, closed LECS, non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery (NEWS) and laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection (LAEFR) have been developed that allows the abdominal cavity to not be exposed to tumour cells and gastric contents by extracting the lesion transorally.

CONCLUSIONS

LECS and its subtypes being a combination of two advanced techniques shows a synergistic effect that is promising. However, despite all these advantages of enhanced safety and certainty, there remains areas that require further improvement.

Advances of endoscopic and surgical management in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

As one of the most common mesenchymal malignancies in the digestive system, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) occur throughout the alimentary tract with diversified oncological characteristics. With the advent of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era, the treatment regimens of patients with GISTs have been revolutionized and GISTs have become the paradigm of multidisciplinary therapy. However, surgery resection remains recognized as the potentially curative management for the radical resection and provided with favorable oncological outcomes. The existing available surgery algorithms in clinical practice primarily incorporate open procedure, and endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery together with combined operation techniques. The performance of various surgery methods often refers to the consideration of risk evaluation of recurrence and metastases; the degree of disease progression; size, location, and growth pattern of tumor; general conditions of selected patients; and indications and safety profile of various techniques. In the present review, we summarize the fundamental principle of surgery of GISTs based on risk assessment as well as tumor size, location, and degree of progress with an emphasis on the indications, strengths, and limitations of current surgery techniques.

Current treatment strategies and future perspectives for gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are mesenchymal tumors that originate from the gastrointestinal tract, mostly from the stomach. GISTs are derived from the myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal and are caused by several mutations in the c-kit and platelet-derived growth factor receptor genes. Clinically, GISTs are detected by endoscopic and imaging findings and are diagnosed by immunostaining. Surgery is the first line of treatment, and if the tumor is relatively small, minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopy is performed. In recent years, neoadjuvant therapy has been administered to patients with GISTs that are suspected of having a large size or infiltration to other organs. Postoperative adjuvant imatinib is the standard therapy for high-risk GISTs. It is important to assess the risk of recurrence after GIST resection. However, the effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitor use will vary by the mutation of c-kit genes and the site of mutation. Furthermore, information regarding gene mutation is indispensable when considering the treatment policy for recurrent GISTs. This article reviews the clinicopathological characteristics of GISTs along with the minimally invasive and multidisciplinary treatment options available for these tumors. The future perspectives for diagnostic and treatment approaches for these tumors have also been discussed.

Choice of LECS Procedure for Benign and Malignant Gastric Tumors

Laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) refers to the endoscopic dissection of the mucosal or submucosal layers with laparoscopic seromuscular resection. We recommend a treatment algorithm for the LECS procedure for gastric benign tumors according to the protruding type. In the exophytic type, endoscopic-assisted wedge resection can be performed. In the endophytic type, endoscopic-assisted wedge resection of the anterior wall is relatively easy to perform, and endoscopic-assisted transgastric resection, laparoscopic-assisted intragastric surgery, or single-incision intragastric resection in the posterior wall and esophagogastric junction (EG Jx) can be attempted. We propose an algorithm for the LECS procedure for early gastric cancer according to the tumor location. The endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) procedure can be adapted for all areas of the stomach, and single-incision ESD can be performed in the mid to high body and the EG Jx. In full-thickness gastric resection, laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection can be adapted for the entire area of the stomach, but it cannot be applied to the pyloric and EG Jx. In conclusion, surgeons need to select the LECS procedure according to tumor type, tumor location, the surgeon's individual experience, and the situation of the institution while also considering the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.

Feasibility of Non-Exposure Simple Suturing Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection in Comparison with Laparoscopic Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery for Gastric Subepithelial Tumors: Results of Two Independent Prospective Trials

Simple Summary

Nonexposure simple suturing endoscopic full-thickness resection (NESS-EFTR) is a recently developed method to prevent the exposure of tumor cells, and we performed a small prospective trial of NESS-EFTR for gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs). In this study, we compared the results of NESS-EFTR trial with those of another small prospective trial of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery which was performed in different time period. The results of this study show the feasibility of NESS-EFTR for gastric SETs and provide evidence for the clinical application of the NESS-EFTR procedure.

Abstract

Recently, nonexposure simple suturing endoscopic full-thickness resection (NESS-EFTR) method was developed to avoid tumor exposure to the peritoneal cavity. The aim of this study is to compare the short-term outcomes of the NESS-EFTR method with those of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs). A prospective single-center trial of LECS for gastric SETs was performed from March 2012 to October 2013 with a separate prospective trial of NESS-EFTR performed from August 2015 to June 2017, enrolling 15 patients each. Among the 30 enrolled patients, 14 who underwent LECS and 11 who underwent NESS-EFTR were finally included in the analysis. The rate of complete resection and successful closure was 100% in both groups. The operating time was longer for NESS-EFTR group than for LECS (110 vs. 189 min; p < 0.0001). There were no postoperative complications except one case of transient fever in the NESS-EFTR group. One patient in the LECS group had peritoneal seeding of gastrointestinal stromal tumor at 17 months postoperatively, and there was no other recurrence. Although NESS-EFTR had long operating and procedure times, it was feasible for patients with gastric SETs requiring a nonexposure technique.

The efficacy and safety of laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning in treating gastric stromal tumours: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and Objectives

The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety in treating gastric stromal tumours by laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning surgery.

Methods

The randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which are about the efficacy and safety of laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning surgery in treating gastric stromal tumours were searched from the PubMed (1998-1990-2018.6), Wanfang Data (1990-2018.6), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (1979-2018.6) and International Statistical Institute (1998-2018.6). The data were extracted from these trials, and the meta-analysis was made through from RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Six RCTs involving 451 patients were included in the study (227 patients in the laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning group and 224 patients in laparoscopic surgery group). Compared with laparoscopic surgery group, this meta-analysis showed that laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning group could shorten the post-operation hospital stay (P < 0.05) and reduce the intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in others between the two groups, such as operation time (P > 0.05), post-operative time of recovery of intestinal peristalsis (P > 0.05) and the total hospital stay (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with laparoscopic surgery group, the better total effect occurs in laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning group for the treatment of gastric stromal tumours is better. Laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning group for the gastric stromal tumours is acceptable.

Comparison of laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning and open resection for gastric stromal tumours: A meta-analysis

Background and Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety in treating gastric stromal tumours by laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning surgery.

Methods

I searched the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the efficacy and safety of laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning surgery in treating gastric stromal tumours from the PubMed (1998~2018.06), Wanfang Data (1990~2018.06), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (1979~2018.06) and International Statistical Institute (1998~2018.06). I extracted the data from these trials, and I got the meta-analysis from RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Twenty-six RCTs involving 1710 patients were included (870 patients in the laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning group and 840 patients in openresection group). Compared with open resection group, this meta-analysis showed that laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning group could reduce the intraoperative blood (P < 0.05), shorten the post-operative time of recovery of intestinal peristalsis (P < 0.05), shorten the diet recovery time (P < 0.05), reduce the incidence of the incision infection, intestinal obstruction and pneumonia and also shorten the post-operation hospital stay (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the operation time (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with open resection group, the total effect of laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning group in the treatment of gastric stromal tumours is better. Laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning group for the gastric stromal tumours is acceptable.

Safety and efficiency of endoscopic resection versus laparoscopic resection in gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumours: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The application of endoscopic resection (ER) in gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) is controversial. We carried out a meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficiency of ER with laparoscopic resection (LR) in patients with gastric GISTs. We searched PubMed to identify studies comparing ER with LR in GIST. The outcomes focused on two areas: safety, including operation time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, time to flatus, time to liquid, time to soft diet, and postoperative complications; and efficiency, including positive margin, recurrence, and long-term survival. A total of 1292 patients from 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Patients undergoing ER had a shorter operation time (standardised mean difference [SMD] -1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.18 to -0.78) and shorter time to soft diet (SMD -1.02, 95% CI -1.52 to -0.52) than those undergoing LR. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of blood loss, length of hospital stay, time to flatus, time to liquid, and postoperative complications. ER was also associated with greater positive margins compared with LR (relative risk 6.32, 95% CI 1.41-28.26). There were no significant differences between ER and LR for recurrence and 5-year disease-free survival. The limited evidence suggests that ER is a more effective strategy for improving postoperative recovery without increasing the risk of surgery and recurrence in gastric GIST. However, close attention should be paid to margin status after ER.

Laparoscopic-endoscopic Rendezvous Procedures for Upper Gastrointestinal Tumors Guided by Laser-supported Reverse Diaphanoscopy: A Modified Technique

INTRODUCTION

Precisely locating benign upper gastrointestinal tumors during laparoscopic-endoscopic surgery remains difficult and inaccurate. We describe reverse laser-supported diaphanoscopy (RLSD) for locating gastrointestinal tumors during laparoscopic surgery and present prospective evaluation results of the first cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 13 patients [women:men=7:6; mean age, 67 (range, 41 to 83) y] who underwent gastroscopic-laparoscopic rendezvous procedures during 2015 to 2018. Surgery duration, marking duration, and specimen resection size were recorded. The largest and smallest specimen resection margins were measured.

RESULTS

After locating tumors using RLSD, patients underwent successful resections. Histopathologic examination confirmed 5 cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumor; 3, neuroendocrine tumors; 2, heterotopic pancreatic tissue; 1, leiomyoma; 1, adenoma; 1, hyperplastic polyp. We employed 4 to 6 marks, depending on tumor location and size. The average marking duration was 14 minute (1 to 21 min); the average surgery duration, 73 minute (37 to 143 min). The smallest resection median margin was 2.0 mm (1.0 to 5.0 mm); the largest, 7.0 mm (2.0 to 12.0 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

RLSD precisely locates gastric benign tumors during laparoscopic-endoscopic rendezvous procedures.

Laparoscopic Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

With the development of laparoscopy and digestive endoscopy, multiple laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgeries (LECSs) for gastrointestinal stromal tumors have recently been developed. Classic LECS has been confirmed as a feasible and safe treatment procedure for gastrointestinal stromal tumors with regard to both short-term surgical and long-term oncological outcomes; however, classic LECS has the potential risk of gastric contents or tumor cells spilling into the abdominal cavity because the gastric wall has to be opened during the procedure. Various modified LECS techniques have aimed at further minimizing invasiveness, such as the full-thickness resection method using the nonexposure technique (combination of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to neoplasia with a nonexposure technique), nonexposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery, and closed LECS. This review describes and summarizes the current LECS for gastrointestinal tumor.

Tumor rupture of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors during endoscopic resection: a risk factor for peritoneal metastasis?

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

 Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. Up to the present time, complete surgical excision has been the standard treatment for primary GISTs greater than 2 cm. It is well known that tumor rupture during surgery is an independent risk factor for peritoneal metastasis; however, it is not known whether the risk of peritoneal metastasis increases in cases where the tumor is ruptured during endoscopic resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

 A total of 195 patients treated for GIST between January 2014 and December 2016 in our hospital were enrolled in this study. They were divided into two groups according to whether the tumor was ruptured during endoscopic resection. The rate of peritoneal metastasis in patients in the two groups who also suffered perforation was investigated from the follow-up results.

RESULTS

 Approximately 55.4 % of all patients were female and the average age of the study group was 59.0 ± 10.3 years. Of the 195 patients, the tumors in 27 were ruptured and the remaining 168 patients underwent en bloc resection. There was no statistically significant difference in gender or age between the two groups. The median tumor size (maximum diameter) in all patients was 1.5 cm (0.3 - 5.0 cm): 2.5 cm (0.8 - 5.0 cm) and 1.4 cm (0.3 - 4.0 cm) in the tumor rupture group and en bloc resection group, respectively ( P  < 0.001). Most of the tumors were located in the gastric fundus. At a median follow-up of 18.7 ± 10.2 months, neither tumor recurrence (liver metastasis, peritoneal metastasis, local recurrence) nor mortality related to GISTs were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

 Tumor rupture during endoscopic resection of gastric GISTs may not be a risk factor for peritoneal metastasis.

Indications and benefits of intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Introduction

Intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (IOG) is a diagnostic and therapeutic method for a variety of special conditions in upper gastrointestinal (UGI) pathology. The indication remains individual due to insufficient evidence and limited training of surgeons in digestive endoscopy.

Aim

To evaluate the indications, benefits and risks of IOG.

Material and methods

A single-center retrospective study of 110 consecutive IOGs in 104 patients was performed. The preoperative plan, the timing of IOG, preoperative evaluation, intraoperative finding, localization of the pathology, type of the procedure, change of expected therapy and complications were assessed.

Results

The cohort comprised 29 esophageal tumors, 5 tumors of the cardia, 36 gastric tumors, gastrointestinal bleeding (8), esophageal diverticula (3), perforations (3), GERD (5), mediastinal pathology (3), fistula (4), assessment of nutrition (10), duodenal adenoma (2), ulcer disease, esophageal stenosis and gastric volvulus. The indication for IOG was established preoperatively in 79% and intraoperatively in 21%. The lesion was localized in 96.4%. The therapy was altered to a wider resection (11), smaller resection (5), localization and surgical therapy of bleeding (8) or allowed minimally invasive surgery (25). A total of 3 postoperative complications included gastric perforation and positivity of resection line (following EMR/ESD) and recurrent bleeding. The 30-day mortality reached 3.6% without a specific cause in IOG.

Conclusions

The IOG is a complementary method in the diagnosis and treatment of UGI pathology. It enables minimally invasive finalization of the procedures and individualization of the therapy.

Preliminary analysis of hybrid laparoscopic procedure for resection of gastric submucosal tumors

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the feasibility, safety and benefits of minimally invasive surgery for resection of gastric submucosal tumor (GSMT).

METHODS

we conducted a retrospective study of medical records of patients undergoing endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic resection of gastric submucosal tumors (prospectively collected) from 2011 to 2014. We evaluated clinical data, surgical approach, clinicopathological characteristics of the GSMT (size, location, histopathological and immunohistochemical exams), outcome and patients follow-up.

RESULTS

we evaluated six patients, 50% male, mean age 52±18 years and common symptoms of heartburn and gastric fullness. All patients underwent hybrid procedure without anatomical impairment of the organ. The average length of stay was 3.5 days and the average size of the tumors was 2.0±0.8cm, five of them (83%) in the proximal third of the stomach. The surgical specimens pathological and immunohistochemistry examination revealed one case of ectopic pancreas (17%), one grade 2 neuroendocrine tumor (17%), one lipoma (17%), one GIST (17%) and two leiomyomas (32%). There were no episodes of tumor rupture or intraoperative complications and no conversion to open surgery. During the postoperative follow-up period, none of the patients had recurrence, metastasis, fistula or stenosis.

CONCLUSION

the results showed that endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic resection is feasible and safe for patients with GSMT. Endoscopy proved to be essential in the location of lesions and as intraoperative support, especially when attempting to preserve the pylorus and cardia during surgery.

OBJETIVO

avaliar a viabilidade, segurança e vantagens da cirurgia minimamente invasiva para ressecção de tumores submucosos gástricos (TUSG).

MÉTODOS

estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários de pacientes submetidos à ressecção videolaparoscópica assistida por endoscopia digestiva alta para tumores submucosos gástricos (coletados prospectivamente) de 2011 a 2014. Os fatores avaliados foram dados clínicos, abordagem cirúrgica, características clinicopatológicas dos TUSG (tamanho, localização, exame anatomopatológico e imuno-histoquímico), resultados e acompanhamento dos pacientes.

RESULTADOS

foram avaliados seis pacientes, 50% do sexo masculino, com média de idade 52±18 anos e sintomas comuns de pirose e plenitude gástrica. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao procedimento híbrido e sem comprometimento anatômico do órgão. O tempo médio de internação foi 3,5 dias e o tamanho médio dos tumores foi 2,0±0,8cm, cinco deles (83%) no terço proximal do estômago. Os exames anatomopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos das peças cirúrgicas demonstraram um caso de pâncreas ectópico (17%), um tumor neuroendócrino grau 2 (17%), um lipoma (17%), um GIST (17%) e dois leiomiomas (32%). Não houve episódios de ruptura do tumor nem complicações intraoperatórias e nenhuma conversão para cirurgia aberta. Durante o período de acompanhamento pós-operatório nenhum dos pacientes apresentou recidiva, metástase, fístula ou estenose.

CONCLUSÃO

os resultados obtidos mostraram que a ressecção laparoscópica assistida por endoscopia é viável e segura para pacientes com TUSG. A endoscopia mostrou-se fundamental na localização das lesões e suporte intraoperatório, principalmente na tentativa de preservar a cárdia e o piloro durante a cirurgia.

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.

LAPAROENDOSCOPIC TRANSGASTRIC RESECTION OF SUBEPITHELIAL JUXTACARDIAC TUMORS

BACKGROUND

With a prevalence of 0.4-3.5%, subepithelial lesions of the upper digestive tract are discovered during endoscopic procedures. Treatment depends on etiological and pathophysiological information, ability to diagnose and the different technical resources available.

AIM

To demonstrate the effectiveness of a surgical technique that combines endoscopy and videolaparoscopy in the transgastric resection of subepithelial juxtacardic lesions.

METHOD

The patients were assisted with a technical combination between endoscopy and laparoscopy. After diagnosis of subepithelial tumor, intraoperative endoscopy was performed after pneumoperitoneum and placement of laparoscopic tweezers. Through endoscopy, the following steps were performed: demarcation of surgical margins, visualization of the intragastric image for the laparoscopic procedure and removal of the surgical specimen. By laparoscopy the following steps were performed: intragastric intra-abdominal access, resection of the part and closure of the gaps.

RESULTS

This technique was applied in two cases in order to evaluate its initial results. There were two videolaparoendoscopic resections of juxtacardiac gastric tumors of the posterior wall. Both had their endoscopic diagnosis confirmed. After laparoendoscopic and tomographic and/or ecoendoscopic diagnostic complementation and preoperative performance, the laparoendoscopic procedure was indicated. The patients had a good recovery, with a short hospitalization time and no complications.

CONCLUSION

The combined use of videolaparoscopy and endoscopy is a safe and effective technique for transgastric resection of juxtacardiac subepithelial lesions. It may be important for definitive diagnosis of the tumor.

A retrospective study on the safety, diagnostic yield, and therapeutic effects of endoscopic unroofing for small gastric subepithelial tumors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Accurate diagnosis of small gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs) is essential to assess their malignant potential. Endoscopic unroofing has been reported to yield sufficient tissue samples for histologic evaluation. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, diagnostic yield, and potential therapeutic effects of this technique over time.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected clinical data identified patients who underwent endoscopic unroofing at the Medical University of Vienna from January 2003 to December 2012. Demographic data, indications for endoscopic unroofing, intraprocedural adverse events, hospital stay, histologic results, and follow-up procedures were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 14 patients (7 men; 7 women; median age, 70 years; range, 51-95 years) underwent endoscopic unroofing of 14 gastric SETs with a mean diameter of 26 ± 13 mm at EUS. In 9 of 14 cases, endoscopic unroofing was done exclusively for diagnostic purposes; in the remaining cases, it was performed with therapeutic intent because of bleeding from the gastric SETs. Unroofing was technically successful in 13 of 14 cases and revealed 8 cases of GI stromal tumor (GIST) and 1 case each of leiomyoma, fibroid polyp, glomus tumor, pancreatic rest, and nondiagnostic material at histology. Intraprocedural bleeding was the only adverse event (4 cases) and could be managed endoscopically. A follow-up EUS was available (median, 8 months) for 10 of the 14 patients. Notably, most patients showed complete regression of their gastric SETs after unroofing (on white light and EUS), including the glomus tumor, the leiomyoma, and 6 of the 8 cases of GIST.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic unroofing was safe and had a very favorable diagnostic yield in this study. Unexpectedly, it led to complete regression in most gastric SETs. Although it is not an oncologically curative treatment, endoscopic unroofing can be a valuable option to treat local adverse events in patients unfit for surgical therapy. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02587923.).

Safety analysis of laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery versus endoscopic submucosal dissection for selected gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) is a safe alternative to endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for select gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) that are <2 cm in size. To date, there have been no randomized studies comparing the feasibility of these two techniques. Therefore, we compared their feasibility and safety using the propensity score matching method in this study.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective, propensity score-matched study of patients who underwent resection of selected gastric GISTs between 2004 and 2014. All patients underwent curative resection for pathologically diagnosed small gastric GISTs. The primary aim was to determine intraoperative complications and postoperative courses. To overcome selection biases, we performed a 1:1 match using five covariates, including age, gender, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, and tumor location, to generate propensity scores.

RESULTS

In total, 32 patients treated with LECS and 102 patients treated with ESD were balanced into 30 pairs. The rate of intraoperative complications was significantly lower in the LECS group than in the ESD group (P = 0.029). LECS patients had less intraoperative bleeding than did ESD patients (15.0 ml [range 9.5-50.0 ml] vs. 43.5 ml [range 22.3-56.0 ml], P = 0.004). The two groups had similar postoperative courses. There was no difference in the reoperation rate between the two groups (P = 0.112). The ESD group had a shorter operating time than did the LECS group (41.5 min vs. 96.5 min, P < 0.001). However, during a follow-up of 57.9 (±28.9) months, the recurrence rate did not differ significantly between the two groups (0.0 vs. 6.7 %, respectively; P = 0.256).

CONCLUSIONS

LECS for selected gastric GIST patients is feasible and is associated with a better intraoperative outcome and an equal postoperative course compared with the results of ESD.

Optimal management of GIST tumors located near the gastroesophageal junction: Case report and review of the literature

•

There are several endoscopic, laparoscopic and open surgical procedures available for the management of GIST tumors near the GE junction.

•

We present a case-report utilizing both endoscopy and laparoscopy to facilitate resection using the non-touch lesion-lifting technique.

•

Pathology demonstrated a 4.7 cm GIST. The patient was discharged on post-operative day 3 with no complications.

•

We include a full literature review and describe the various combined modalities available for successful resection.

Introduction

The safety and oncologic outcome of laparoscopic gastric GIST resection is well established especially for lesions <5 cm in diameter. The optimal management of GIST tumors near the GE junction remains unclear.

Methods

We present a case-report of a 4.7 cm GIST tumor near the GE junction managed by endoscopically-assisted laparoscopic wedge resection (EAWR). We present a review of the literature highlighting the various combined laparo-endoscopic techniques available.

Results

We used the non-touch lesion-lifting method to laparoscopically resect the GIST tumor under endoscopic guidance. There were no complications and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 3.

Conclusions

Endoscopically-assisted laparoscopic wedge resections are feasible and safe for GIST tumors near the GE junction.

Hybrid NOTES: Combined Laparo-endoscopic Full-thickness Resection Techniques

Advances in laparoscopic surgery and therapeutic endoscopy have allowed these minimally destructive procedures to challenge conventional surgery. Because of its theoretic advantages and technical feasibility, laparoendoscopic full-thickness resection is considered to be the most appropriate option for subepithelial tumor removal. Furthermore, combination of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches for treatment of neoplasia can be important maneuvers for gastric cancer resection without contamination of the peritoneal cavity if the sentinel lymph node concept is established. We are certain that the use of laparoendoscopic full-thickness resection will provide valuable experience that will allow operators to safely develop endoscopic full-thickness resection skills.

Comparison of minilaparoscopy and single-incision intragastric surgery for gastric submucosal tumor resection in a porcine model

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to develop an easy-to-induce and reproducible model of gastric submucosal tumor in swine to compare minilaparoscopy (ML) with single-incision (SI) intragastric surgery.

METHODS

Twelve healthy female pigs (weight 30.94 ± 2.49 kg) underwent a transparietal injection of sterile alginate at the level of Z-line (n = 6) and at the pre-pyloric area (n = 6) creating a model of gastric submucosal pseudotumor. The operative procedures included intragastric resection with ML and SI approaches of cardiac and pre-pyloric lesions, with gastroscopic assistance. After resection, the gastric mucosal layer was closed using intracorporeal sutures. The operative time, complication rate and clinical evolution after 1 month were compared in the four groups that the pigs were arranged.

RESULTS

The pseudotumors ranged in size from 3 to 6 cm in diameter. The access of the gastric cavity and resection of the experimental SMP and suturing of the mucosa were performed successfully in 12 animals using both approaches. Mean time to perform the exeresis of gastric cardia tumors was significantly higher in single-incision approach. No significant differences were observed in the surgical time during pyloric surgery. Minilaparoscopic approach reduced significantly the mucosa closure time in esophagogastric and pyloric pseudotumors. One month after, no alterations were shown in the abdominal cavity using exploratory laparotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The technical feasibility of performing safe and efficient intragastric approach of submucosal pseudotumors in swine model was verified in this study. Intragastric ML has advantages over SI, namely regarding the reduction in total surgical times and the fewer technical difficulties.

Endoscopically Assisted Transumbilical Single-Incision Laparoscopic Gastric Resection for GIST Treatment

PURPOSE

Complete surgical resection with negative margins without lymphadenectomy is the treatment of choice for nonmetastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs). Laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs <5 cm is an acceptable and oncologically feasible, safe, and effective treatment. We present our experience of an endoscopically assisted minimally invasive transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic (SILS) technique for gastric GISTs resection.

METHODS

Four patients with small gastric GISTs ≤5 cm located on the greater curvature or the anterior wall were resected with SILS by using a lesion-lifting technique under the guidance of flexible gastroscopy.

RESULTS

The technique was feasible and safe and offered significant advantages in locating the tumor and controlling the resection margins. There were no major intraoperative or postoperative complications, conversions, or tumor ruptures. Pathology showed low-risk GISTs resected with disease-free margins without tumor rupture. No recurrences have been observed.

CONCLUSION

The endoscopically assisted SILS wedge gastrectomy is a feasible, safe, and advantageous technique for the treatment of the greater curvature or anterior wall gastric GISTs.

Cooperative laparoscopic endoscopic and hybrid laparoscopic surgery for upper gastrointestinal tumors: Current status

AIM: To investigate the cooperative laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques used for the resection of upper gastrointestinal tumors.

METHODS: A systematic research of the literature was performed in PubMed for English and French language articles about laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative, combined, hybrid and rendezvous techniques. Only original studies using these techniques for the resection of early gastric cancer, benign tumors and gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach and the duodenum were included. By excluding case series of less than 10 patients, 25 studies were identified. The study design, number of cases, tumor pathology size and location, the operative technique name, the endoscopy team and surgical team role, operative time, type of closure of visceral wall defect, blood loss, complications and length of hospital stay of these studies were evaluated. Additionally all cooperative techniques found were classified and are presented in a systematic approach.

RESULTS: The studies identified were case series and retrospective cohort studies. A total of 706 patients were operated on with a cooperative technique. The tumors resected were only gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) in 4 studies, GIST and various benign submucosal tumors in 22 studies, early gastric cancer (pT1a and pT1b) in 6 studies and early duodenal cancer in 1 study. There was important heterogeneity between the studies. The operative techniques identified were: laparoscopic assisted endoscopic resection, endoscopic assisted wedge resection, endoscopic assisted transgastric and intragastric surgery, laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS), laparoscopic assisted endoscopic full thickness resection (LAEFR), clean non exposure technique and non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery (NEWS). Each technique is illustrated with the roles of the endoscopic and laparoscopic teams; the indications, characteristics and short term results are described.

CONCLUSION: Along with the traditional cooperative techniques, new procedures like LECS, LAEFR and NEWS hold great promise for the future of minimally invasive oncologic procedures.

Long-term outcomes of combined endoscopic/laparoscopic intragastric enucleation of presumed gastric stromal tumors

PURPOSE

Definitive surgical treatment of gastric myogenic neoplasms such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) typically involves full-thickness resection of the lesion with normal gastric wall as the margin. This is not readily possible with proximal gastric lesions near the gastroesophageal junction, nor necessary for small incidental lesions. We have employed a combined endoscopic/laparoscopic intraluminal enucleation technique for selected patients and report long-term surveillance following this novel technique.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients who have undergone intraluminal laparoscopic resection from 1994 to 2008.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients who underwent intraluminal enucleation were followed up for a median of 61 months. There were eight men and seven women with a mean age of 62.1 ± 3.38 years. Eight patients (53 %) underwent endoscopy for gastrointestinal bleeding, six for dyspepsia (40 %), six for anemia (40 %), and four for abdominal pain (27 %). Eight lesions (53 %) were located in the fundus/cardia: six (40 %) in the body and two (13 %) in the antrum. The mean tumor size was 3.5 ± 0.45 (1.5-7.0) cm. GIST lesions with benign histologic features predominated. All operations were successfully completed, including full-thickness resections with no conversion to open procedure, major morbidity, or mortality. Complete endoscopic and endosonographic surveillance was accomplished in 14 patients with no local or distant recurrence and no symptomatic follow-up in any patient.

CONCLUSION

Enucleation of intact gastrointestinal stromal tumors can be accomplished with low risk of recurrence when done with a combined endoscopic/laparoscopic intraluminal technique. It should be the preferred approach considered for small, proximal, intraluminal tumors.

[Diagnosis and immediate results of treatment of patients with non-epithelial tumors of upper gastrointestinal tract]

We presented an experience of treatment of 225 patients with non-epithelial tumors of upper gastrointestinal tract. Complicated disease's course was observed in 24% of cases. Tactical approaches are discussed depending on localization, dimensions and nature of tumor growth. Also indications for minimally invasive operations are defined. It was operated 102 (45.3%) of above-mentioned patients. Conventional surgical interventions were performed in 49 (48.0%) cases, laparoscopic operations - in 11 (10.8%) observations, endoscopic techniques using flexible endoscope - in 42 (41.2%) patients. One hundred and twenty-three (54.7%) patients were under dynamic observation. Technical features of the performed operations are described in the article. Complications were diagnosed in 8 patients including intraoperative in 3 cases and postoperative in 5 cases. Postoperative mortality was 2.0% (2 of 102 died). Overall mortality was 1.3% (3 of 225 patients died). Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (38) and leiomyoma (29) were the most frequent findings among removed tumors.

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.

Total inverse transgastric resection with transoral specimen removal

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic local excision is accepted for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and benign lesions of the stomach. Yet, tumors at the gastroesophageal junction, on the posterior wall, or in the distal antrum are difficult to approach. Such tumors often must be exposed via gastrotomy or using a rendezvous maneuver. Our method of total intragastric laparoscopic resection using 'pneumogastrum', rigid laparoscope, and conventional laparoscopic instruments is described in an intuitive video.

METHODS

Two cases of total inverse transgastric resection involved resection of a submucosal GIST, one at the front wall of the cardia and the other on the posterior wall of the antrum. The third case required excision of a large prepyloric cystic lesion leading to a gastric outlet stenosis. After insertion of three trocars under laparoscopic control, a further trocar was introduced into the stomach and 'pneumogastrum' was established. Two additional 5-mm trocars were intragastrally placed. Intragastric endoscopy with a rigid optic provided an excellent view. The tumor was exposed resected with a linear stapler. The specimen was inserted into an Endo Pouch™ which was sutured to an orally inserted gastric tube. The Endo Pouch™ was gently pulled transorally. After removal of the intragastric trocars, the entrance points were laparoscopically closed.

RESULTS

From the first and second cases, we retrieved GIST tumors. In the third case, we retrieved a gastritis cystica profunda. Postoperative course was uneventful.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric GIST should be resected laparoscopically if negative margins are safely achieved regardless of its size. Tumors at the frontwall and exophytic backwall GIST are addressed by laparoscopic wedge resection. Tumors at the gastrojejunal junction, in the prepyloric region, and fundus as well as submucous GIST of the gastric backwall are best approached by intragastric laparoscopic resection. Transoral specimen retrieval is an interesting option in smaller tumors.

Developments in flexible endoscopic surgery: a review

Flexible endoscopy is increasingly developing into a therapeutic instead of a purely diagnostic discipline. Improved visualization makes early lesions easily detectable and allows us to decide ad hoc on the required treatment. Deep enteroscopy allows the exploration of even the small bowel - for long a "white spot" for gastrointestinal endoscopy - and to perform direct treatment. Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a considerable step forward in oncologically correct endoscopic treatment of (early) malignant lesions. Though still technically challenging, it is increasingly facilitated by new manipulation techniques and tools that are being steadily optimized. Closure of wall defects and hemostasis could be improved significantly. Even the anatomy beyond the gastrointestinal wall is being explored by the therapeutic use of endoluminal ultrasound. Endosonographic-guided surgery is not only a suitable fallback solution if conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography fails, but even makes necrosectomy procedures, abscess drainage, and neurolysis feasible for the endoscopist. Newly developed endoscopic approaches aim at formerly distinctive surgical domains like gastroesophageal reflux disease, appendicitis, and cholecystitis. Combined endoscopic/laparoscopic interventional techniques could become the harbingers of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, whereas pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery is currently still in its beginnings.

Laparoscopic Surgery In The Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are rare neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. These lesions are characterized by different levels of malignancy. Only radical surgery offers a chance of curing the disease. The aim of this study is to present the results of gastrointestinal stromal tumor treatment with minimally invasive surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group included 27 patients operated laparoscopically on for gastrointestinal stromal tumor with laparoscopic surgery between September 2009 and December 2013. The most common location of the tumor was the stomach (21 patients, 77.8%) and the small intestine (4 patients, 14.8%). We analyzed early surgery results, the number and character of complications, lengths of hospital stays, histological types of the removed tumors, and long-term results of treatment.

RESULTS

There was no need for conversion to open surgery in any patient from the study group. Post-surgery complications occurred in 2 patients (7.4%). The median duration of the hospital stay was 4.5 days; none of the patients had to be readmitted to the hospital in the first 30 days after the procedure. In 26 out of 27 patients, microscopic examination confirmed the radicality of the surgical procedure (R0 resection). The mean size of the removed lesions was 4.1 cm. Using the Joensuu malignancy classification model, it was established that in 6 (22.2%) patients gastrointestinal stromal tumor was characterized by a very low level of malignancy, in 11 patients (40.7%) a low level, in 4 (14.9%) a medium level, and in 6 (22.2%) a high level. The average duration of follow-up was 13 months. During the observation period, there was no recurrence of the disease.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors is possible and allows for satisfactory results both in terms of the postoperative course and the oncological quality of the procedure.

Surgical management of acutely presenting gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach among elderly: experience of an emergency surgery department

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), requiring often an emergency surgical management, is extremely rare among elderly. We aimed to present the experience of the Emergency Surgery Department, Brotzu Hospital, in the management of elderly patients with GIST related emergencies.

METHODS

This study was carried out on 12 patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors who presented to in an emergency situation during the period from January 2010 to December 2013. All patients' data, clinical presentations, surgical procedures, complications, and survival data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2013, 12 patients (8 males and 4 females), with a mean age of 70 years (range: 65-79 years) were admitted with different emergency presentations of clinically and radiologically suspected GISTs. The incidence of proximal obstruction was 41.7% of all gastric GIST cases, resulting acute gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation in 41.7% and 16.6% respectively. The mean length of hospitalization was 9.1 ± 2.3 days and there were no posterative complications or mortalities. At a mean follow-up of 21 months, 11 patients (91.6%) were alive and disease free.

DISCUSSIONS

Although GISTs are uncommon among elderly, their incidence is increasing especially in their emergency presentation and surgeon should be prepared to treat this condition following the principles of GIST surgery as stated by the GIST consensus conference.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion our data demonstrate that age itself does not affect the outcome of surgical treatment of GISTs in emergency situation.

Modified laparoscopic intragastric surgery and endoscopic full-thickness resection for gastric stromal tumor originating from the muscularis propria

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and security of the modified laparoscopic intragastric surgery (MLIGS) and the endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR) for the treatment of gastric stromal tumors (GSTs) originating from the muscularis propria.

METHODS

The study population was 18 patients with GSTs of the intraluminal muscularis propria layer. Eight were treated by MLIGS performed according to the following procedures: (1) gastroscopy was used to expose and confirm the location of the tumor; (2) a laparoscope light was placed in the cavity using the trocar at the navel, with the remaining two trocars penetrating both the abdominal and stomach walls; (3) the operation was performed in the gastric lumen using laparoscopic instruments with gastroscope monitoring, and the tumor was resected; (4) the tumor tissue was removed orally using a grasping forceps; (5) and the puncture holes and perforation in the stomach were sutured using titanium clips. The remaining 10 patients were treated by EFR, which involved (1) injection of normal saline into the submucosa and precutting of the mucosal and submucosal layer around the lesion, (2) a circumferential incision as deep as the muscularis propria around the lesion, (3) an incision into the serosal layer around the lesion, (4) completion of full-thickness incision to the tumor, (5) closure of the gastric wall defect with clips.

RESULTS

The GSTs all were resected completely. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of tumor size, hospital stay, or abdominal pain time. But in the MLIGS group, the operation time and blood loss were significantly decreased compared with the EFR group. No postoperative complications occurred in the MLIGS group, whereas one peritoneal abscess occurred in the EFR group. The pathology of all the resected specimens showed GST. No case of implantation or metastasis was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Both MLIGS and EFR are feasible and effective treatments for GSTs from the muscularis propria. Moreover, both are minimally invasive.

Surgical management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a single center experience

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although the therapy targeted at inhibiting tyrosine kinases has shown dramatic results in metastatic and inoperable GISTs, the mainstay of treatment in primary localized forms remains surgical resection.

AIM

To provide an overview of our experience of GIST diagnosis and management, with emphasis on comparison of minimally invasive and open surgical resection for primary GISTs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent surgical removal of GISTs from 2008 to 2012. Patient demographics, clinical data, surgery, complications, histopathological data and clinical course were analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were identified. Average age at diagnosis was 63 years. Minimally invasive (MIS) and open surgery (OS) were each attempted in 22 (50.0%) patients. Laparoscopic removal was performed in 20, laparoendoscopic in 1, and laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic removal in 1. Conversion to an open procedure was performed in 4 (18.2%). We found significant differences in postoperative length of stay (8.5 days vs. 10.1 days, p < 0.001) and tumor size (2.93 cm vs. 5.78 cm, p = 0.018) between MIS and OS groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic removal is safe and effective for GISTs not exceeding 6 cm. Gastroesophageal junction and cardia GISTs require careful preoperative evaluation and planning to remove safely. We recommend avoiding laparoscopic removal of these tumors due to the high rate of conversion (100.0%) to an open procedure. Laparoendoscopic surgical approach is an appropriate technique for removal of small-sized intraluminal benign GISTs not involving the muscularis propria layer.

[Further technical and digital development in minimally invasive and conventional surgery]

Technological innovations have initiated a fundamental change in invasive therapeutic approaches which has led to a welcome reduction of surgical trauma but was also associated with a declining role of conventional surgery. Active utilization of future technological developments is decisive to promote new therapeutic strategies and to avoid a further loss of importance of surgery. This includes individualized preoperative therapy planning as well as intraoperative diagnostic work-up and navigation and the use of new functional intelligent implants. The working environment "surgical operating room" has to be refurbished into an integrated cooperating functional system. The impact of new technological developments is particularly obvious in minimally invasive surgery. There is a clear tendency towards further reduction in trauma in the surgical access. The incision will become smaller and the number of ports will be further reduced, with the aim of ultimately having just one port (monoport surgery) or even via natural access routes (scarless surgery). Among others, improved visualization including, e.g. autostereoscopy, digital image processing and intelligent support systems, which are able to assist in a cooperative way, will enable these goals to be achieved.

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.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection in the treatment of gastric submucosal tumors: results from a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

A submucosal tumor (SMT) of the stomach, which is an occasional finding during routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, may pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

METHODS

To assess whether endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a feasible approach to definitively cure SMTs, the authors performed a retrospective cohort study with two endoscopic italian centers.

RESULTS

The study consisted of 20 patients with SMTs who underwent ESD. The patients underwent ESD and were followed up by endoscopy. We analyzed complete resection rate, frequency of complications, and survival. The overall rate of R0 resection was 90 % (18/20), with two endoscopic failures, one for a submucosal tumor and one for a neoplasm deeply infiltrating the proper muscle layer. The median procedure time was 119.1 min (range 40-240 min). The median size of the resected specimens was 29 mm (range 15-60 mm). Perforation occurred in 3 patients; all were treated conservatively. There were no cases of severe bleeding. Based on histopathological findings, 6 cases of ectopic pancreas, 1 of ectopic spleen, 3 of leiomyoma, and 10 of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) were diagnosed. Complete resection was obtained in all GIST cases. Among the 10 GIST cases treated by ESD, no death occurred: the 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 100 %.

CONCLUSIONS

The high success rate of 90 % and the low incidence of complications should indicate ESD is the correct diagnostic and definitive treatment in selected patients.

Hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in gastric subepithelial tumors

Diagnosis of gastric subepithelial tumor (SET) has shown a rapid increase worldwide. Although, until now, endoscopic ultrasound guided procedures such as fine needle aspiration have shown relatively high accuracy in diagnosis of SET, the most important modality for diagnosis and treatment of SETs is complete resection such as endoscopic or surgical resection. However, endoscopic resection or laparoscopic wedge resection alone also has some limitations. Endoscopic resection is difficult to perform in cases of gastric SET located within deep portion of the gastric layer or a relatively large (larger than 25 mm diameter). On the other hand, gastric SET in a difficult location, such as the gastroesophageal junction or pyloric ring is challenging for laparoscopic surgical resection. The hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) technique is a combined method, including the advantages of both laparoscopic resection and endoscopic resection for gastric SETs. This method may be performed safely with reasonable operation times, less bleeding, and adequate resection margin and regardless of tumor size. In particular, in the case of a difficult location for resection, such as the esophagogastric junction or pyloric ring, hybrid NOTES is currently believed to be an ideal treatment method.

Laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery for gastric submucosal tumors

AIM: To assess the feasibility, safety, and advantages of minimally invasive laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for gastric submucosal tumors (SMT).

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 101 consecutive patients, who had undergone partial, proximal, or distal gastrectomy using LECS for gastric SMT at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June 2006 to April 2013. All patients were followed up by visit or telephone. Clinical data, surgical approach, pathological features such as the size, location, and pathological type of each tumor; and follow-up results were analyzed. The feasibility, safety and effectiveness of LECS for gastric SMT were evaluated, especially for patients with tumors located near the cardia or pylorus.

RESULTS: The 101 patients included 43 (42.6%) men and 58 (57.4%) women, with mean age of 51.2 ± 13.1 years (range, 14-76 years). The most common symptom was belching. Almost all (n = 97) patients underwent surgery with preservation of the cardia and pylorus, with the other four patients undergoing proximal or distal gastrectomy. The mean distance from the lesion to the cardia or pylorus was 3.4 ± 1.3 cm, and the minimum distance from the tumor edge to the cardia was 1.5 cm. Tumor pathology included gastrointestinal stromal tumor in 78 patients, leiomyoma in 13, carcinoid tumors in three, ectopic pancreas in three, lipoma in two, glomus tumor in one, and inflammatory pseudotumor in one. Tumor size ranged from 1 to 8.2 cm, with 65 (64.4%) lesions < 2 cm, 32 (31.7%) > 2 cm, and four > 5 cm. Sixty-six lesions (65.3%) were located in the fundus, 21 (20.8%) in the body, 10 (9.9%) in the antrum, three (3.0%) in the cardia, and one (1.0%) in the pylorus. During a median follow-up of 28 mo (range, 1-69 mo), none of these patients experienced recurrence or metastasis. The three patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy experienced symptoms of regurgitation and belching.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery is feasible and safe for patients with gastric submucosal tumor. Endoscopic intraoperative localization and support can help preserve the cardia and pylorus during surgery.

Minimally invasive treatment of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for patients with gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 69 consecutive patients who underwent LECS, including laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic resection (LAER) and endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic wedge resection (EAWR), for pathologically confirmed gastric GISTs of less than 5 cm in diameter from January 2006 to October 2012.

RESULTS

The tumor was located at the upper third of the stomach in 22 patients, the middle third in 38 and the lower third in nine, with a mean tumor size of 2.8 ± 1.6 cm. The operating time was 81.6 ± 31.8 min in the LAER group and 86.3 ± 28.5 min in the EAWR group (P = 0.776). Intraoperative blood loss was 29.8 ± 15.4 mL in the LAER group and 31.4 ± 11.6 mL in the EAWR group (P = 0.561). Most patients had a very low or low risk of tumor recurrence, while six had an intermediate risk of tumor recurrence. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 4.6 days. Only two patients had postoperative complications after LECS, both of whom were treated successfully without open surgery. During a median follow-up of 35 months, all patients were disease-free, with no tumor recurrence or metastases.

CONCLUSION

LECS is a minimally invasive and safe alternative approach which can achieve fast recovery and satisfactory short-term outcomes for appropriately selected patients with gastric GISTs.

Submucosal tumors: comprehensive guide for the diagnosis and therapy of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors

Small submucosal tumors (SMT) without symptoms are frequently found by endoscopic and radiological examinations. To find proper diagnostic measures and therapeutic indications for histologically undiagnosed SMT, we reviewed published articles in PubMed between 1990 and March 2013 using the key words 'submucosal tumor' and the name of a specific disease. SMT is observed in a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and conditions, including compression by extra-GI organs and lesions, congenital tumors, inflammation, and benign as well as malignant neoplastic lesions. In the diagnosis of diseases and decision-making for therapy, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) may play a key role. Symptomatic SMT and SMT histologically diagnosed as malignant or potentially malignant tumors such as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) should be treated by surgery. SMT >5 cm, SMT increasing in size and those with'high-risk features' including irregular border, heterogeneous internal echo such as anechoic area, and heterogeneous enhancement by contrast media may also be removed by surgery. Laparoscopic approach is feasible for gastric GIST <5 cm and this is considered less invasive than the open approach. Emerging techniques using flexible endoscopes appear less invasive, but require further evidence and are still under clinical study. Correct diagnosis of SMT is challenging; however, EUS and EUS-FNA are useful in the histological diagnosis and clinical decision-making. In the future, minimally invasive approaches may be a mainstream of surgical treatment for small SMT.

A gist of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A review

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have been recognized as a biologically distinctive tumor type, different from smooth muscle and neural tumors of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). They constitute the majority of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors of the GIT and are known to be refractory to conventional chemotherapy or radiation. They are defined and diagnosed by the expression of a proto-oncogene protein detected by immunohistochemistry which serves as a crucial diagnostic and therapeutic target. The identification of these mutations has resulted in a better understanding of their oncogenic mechanisms. The remarkable antitumor effects of the molecular inhibitor imatinib have necessitated accurate diagnosis of GIST and their distinction from other gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors. Both traditional and minimally invasive surgery are used to remove these tumors with minimal morbidity and excellent perioperative outcomes. The revolutionary use of specific, molecularly-targeted therapies, such as imatinib mesylate, reduces the frequency of disease recurrence when used as an adjuvant following complete resection. Neoadjuvant treatment with these agents appears to stabilize disease in the majority of patients and may reduce the extent of surgical resection required for subsequent complete tumor removal. The important interplay between the molecular genetics of GIST and responses to targeted therapeutics serves as a model for the study of targeted therapies in other solid tumors. This review summarizes our current knowledge and recent advances regarding the histogenesis, pathology, molecular biology, the basis for the novel targeted cancer therapy and current evidence based management of these unique tumors.

New-style laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for gastric stromal tumors

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a new style of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS), an improved method of laparoscopic intragastric surgery (LIGS) for the treatment of gastric stromal tumors (GSTs).

METHODS: Six patients were treated with the new-style LECS. Surgery was performed according to the following procedures: (1) Exposing and confirming the location of the tumor with gastroscopy; (2) A laparoscopy light was placed in the cavity using the trocar at the navel, and the other two trocars penetrated both the abdominal and stomach walls; (3) With gastroscopy monitoring, the operation was carried out in the gastric lumen using laparoscopic instruments and the tumor was resected; and (4) The tumor tissue was removed orally using a gastroscopy basket, and puncture holes and perforations were sutured using titanium clips.

RESULTS: Tumor size ranged from 2.0 to 4.5 cm (average 3.50 ± 0.84 cm). The operative time ranged from 60 to 130 min (average 83.33 ± 26.58 min). Blood loss was less than 20 mL and hospital stay ranged from 6 to 8 d (average 6.67 ± 0.82 d). The patients were allowed out of bed 12 h later. A stomach tube was inserted for 72 h after surgery, and a liquid diet was then taken. All cases had single tumors which were completely resected using the new-style LECS. No postoperative complications occurred. Pathology of all resected specimens showed GST: no cases of implantation or metastasis were found.

CONCLUSION: New-style LECS for GSTs is a quick, optimized, fast recovery, safe and effective therapy.

Surgical treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is the most common mesenchymal tumor in the gastrointestinal tract and is most frequently developed in the stomach in the form of submucosal tumor. The incidence of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor is estimated to be as high as 25% of the population when all small and asymptomatic tumors are included. Because gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor is not completely distinguished from other submucosal tumors, a surgical excisional biopsy is recommended for tumors >2 cm. The surgical principles of gastrointestinal stromal tumor are composed of an R0 resection with a normal mucosa margin, no systemic lymph node dissection, and avoidance of perforation, which results in peritoneal seeding even in cases with otherwise low risk profiles. Laparoscopic surgery has been indicated for gastrointestinal stromal tumors <5 cm, and the indication for laparoscopic surgery is expanded to larger tumors if the above mentioned surgical principles can be maintained. A simple exogastric resection and various transgastric resection techniques are used for gastrointestinal stromal tumors in favorable locations (the fundus, body, greater curvature side). For a lesion at the gastroesophageal junction in the posterior wall of the stomach, enucleation techniques have been tried preserve the organ's function. Those methods have a theoretical risk of seeding a ruptured tumor, but this risk has not been evaluated by well-designed clinical trials. While some clinical trials are still on-going, neoadjuvant imatinib is suggested when marginally unresectable or multiorgan resection is anticipated to reduce the extent of surgery and the chance of incomplete resection, rupture or bleeding.