Single-incision intragastric resection for upper and mid gastric submucosal tumors: a case-series study

Long-Term Efficacy of Single-Incision Laparoscopic Intragastric Resection in Treating Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), the most common mesenchymal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract, are increasingly treated with minimally invasive surgeries. Developed techniques include laparoscopic, endoscopic, and hybrid methods for gastric GIST resection. Our study, focusing on single-incision laparoscopic intragastric resection for gastric GISTs, aims to evaluate its safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes. In a retrospective study of GIST surgery involving 14 patients who underwent single-incision laparoscopic intragastric resections, we analyzed and compared their preoperative demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, tumor size, neoadjuvant treatment, operation duration, hospital stay, mitotic and Ki-67 indexes, and histological features with those of patients who underwent open and laparoscopic wedge resections, to assess the impact on both survival and disease-free survival. Average operation time was 93.07 minutes (range 81-120 minutes). Average blood loss: 67 ± 20 mL (range 40-110 mL). Postoperative hospital stay averaged 6.79 days (range 4-16 days). Strong correlations were observed between preoperative and pathological tumor sizes (P = .001, P < .001). Survival analysis indicated a significant association with ASA scores (P = .031), but not with mitotic index, Ki-67, or tumor size. Average survival was 80.57 months, with no recurrence or metastasis during follow-up. Based on our experience, the single-incision laparoscopic intragastric resection method emerges as a highly efficient, timesaving, and gentle oncological procedure, providing a safe and minimally invasive alternative resulting in shorter hospital stays and excellent long-term outcomes with minimal recurrence. For more definitive conclusions, larger, multicenter, and prospective studies are recommended.

A case of a gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the esophagogastric junction successfully treated by laparoscopic intragastric resection

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Laparoscopic wedge resection has been widely performed for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). However, because GISTs in the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) are prone to deformity and postoperative functional disorders, laparoscopic resection is technically very difficult and rarely reported. Herein, we report a case of a GIST in the EGJ successfully treated by laparoscopic intragastric surgery (IGS).

CASE PRESENTATION

A 58-year-old man with a GIST, which was intragastric growth type, 2.5 cm in diameter, located in the EGJ, and confirmed by upper gastrointestinal endoscope and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy. We successfully performed IGS and the patient was discharged without complications.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Using laparoscopic wedge resection by exogastric approach, it is problematic to resect a gastric SMT located at the EGJ because of the difficulty in viewing the surgical field and additional concerns of deformation of the EGJ. We suppose IGS as a suitable method for such tumors.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic IGS for gastric GIST was useful in terms of safety and convenience even though the tumor was in the ECJ.

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.

Intragastric Single-Port Surgery: An Innovative and Multipurpose Technique for the Therapy of Upper Digestive Tract Lesions

Background: Endoscopic treatment can represent a technical challenge for several special situations, such as resecting gastric tumors with larger size or in unfavorable sites and performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This study aims to describe an innovative and multipurpose technique, intragastric single-port surgery (IGS), which can be applied for abovementioned special situations and for assessing its safety, feasibility, and efficacy. Methods: IGS technique was performed through a 2-3 cm skin incision, where the stomach wall is exteriorized and fixed to the skin. The single-port device is inserted and intragastric access is gained for laparoscopic or endoscopic instruments. Three purposes of IGS were performed: (1). gastric intraluminal lesions resection; (2). to perform ERCP after RYGB; and (3). revision of pancreaticogastric anastomosis after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Results: IGS was performed successfully in 20 patients. Ten patients underwent gastric intraluminal lesion resection, mostly for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (n = 7, 70%); all pathological specimens were with negative margin, mean operation time was 102.3 ± 43.5 minutes, and mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.6 ± 1.5 days. Nine patients underwent ERCP after RYGB, cleaning of the bile duct was successful in all patients (100%), and mean operation time and mean postoperative hospital stay were 140.6 ± 46.3 minutes and 4.4 ± 2.6 days, respectively. One patient underwent pancreaticogastric anastomosis revision. There were no mortalities in our series. Conclusions: IGS is a safe, feasible, and effective technique for gastric intraluminal lesion resection and for performing ERCP after RYGB, while it has the potential for other future applications.

Laparoscopic Local Resection through Subserosal Dissection with Endoscopic Air-Insufflation for Submucosal Tumors Located Near the Esophagogastric Junction

Purpose

A novel resection method, namely, laparoscopic local resection through subserosal dissection with endoscopic air-insuff lation (LRSDEA) was used for submucosal tumors located near the esophagogastric junction (SMT-EGJ) to avoid major gastric resection.

Methods

A total of 9 cases underwent LRSDEA. We sequentially performed: laparoscopic dissections around EGJ, subserosal dissections around SMTs using laparoscopic electrocautery and ultrasonic shears, and finally, enucleation of SMTs. During these procedures, intraoperative endoscopic tumor localization, as well as endoscopic air-insufflation allowed for safe resection. These procedures are shown in the supplementary video clip. The clinicopathological characteristics and surgical results were analyzed.

Results

All laparoscopic procedures were successfully performed without requiring a major gastrectomy. The mean operation time was 126.1 minutes, and estimated blood loss was 12.0 ml. There were no postoperative complications. Pathological diagnoses were 6 leiomyomas, 2 gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and 1 gastric duplication.

Conclusion

LRSDEA is an effective and safe treatment option for SMT-EGJ, as major resection of the stomach is avoided.

European association for endoscopic surgery (EAES) consensus statement on single-incision endoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery changed the management of numerous surgical conditions. It was associated with many advantages over open surgery, such as decreased postoperative pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay and excellent cosmesis. Since two decades single-incision endoscopic surgery (SIES) was introduced to the surgical community. SIES could possibly result in even better postoperative outcomes than multi-port laparoscopic surgery, especially concerning cosmetic outcomes and pain. However, the single-incision surgical procedure is associated with quite some challenges.

METHODS

An expert panel of surgeons has been selected and invited to participate in the preparation of the material for a consensus meeting on the topic SIES, which was held during the EAES congress in Frankfurt, June 16, 2017. The material presented during the consensus meeting was based on evidence identified through a systematic search of literature according to a pre-specified protocol. Three main topics with respect to SIES have been identified by the panel: (1) General, (2) Organ specific, (3) New development. Within each of these topics, subcategories have been defined. Evidence was graded according to the Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence. Recommendations were made according to the GRADE criteria.

RESULTS

In general, there is a lack of high level evidence and a lack of long-term follow-up in the field of single-incision endoscopic surgery. In selected patients, the single-incision approach seems to be safe and effective in terms of perioperative morbidity. Satisfaction with cosmesis has been established to be the main advantage of the single-incision approach. Less pain after single-incision approach compared to conventional laparoscopy seems to be considered an advantage, although it has not been consistently demonstrated across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the increased direct costs (devices, instruments and operating time) of the SIES procedure and the prolonged learning curve, wider acceptance of the procedure should be supported only after demonstration of clear benefits.

Clinical Control Study of Endoscopic Full-thickness Resection and Laparoscopic Surgery in the Treatment of Gastric Tumors Arising from the Muscularis Propria

BACKGROUND

Gastric stromal tumors arising from the muscularis propria are located in deeper layers. Endoscopic resection may be contraindicated due to the possibility of perforation. These tumors are therefore usually removed by surgical or laparoscopic procedures. This study evaluated the curative effects, safety and feasibility of endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR) of gastric stromal tumors originating from the muscularis propria.

METHODS

This study enrolled 92 patients with gastric stromal tumors >2.5 cm originating from the muscularis propria. Fifty patients underwent EFR, and 42 underwent laparoscopic intragastric surgery. Operation time, complete resection rate, length of hospital stay, incidence of complications, and recurrence rates were compared in these two groups.

RESULTS

EFR resulted in complete resection of all 50 gastric stromal tumors, with a mean procedure time of 85 ± 20 min, a mean hospitalization time of 7.0 ± 1.5 days and no complications. Laparoscopic intragastric surgery also resulted in a 100% complete resection rate, with a mean operation time of 88 ± 12 min and a mean hospitalization period of 7.5 ± 1.6 days. The two groups did not differ significantly in operation time, complete resection rates, hospital stay or incidence of complications (P > 0.05). No patient in either group experienced tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

EFR technique is effective and safe for the resection of gastric stromal tumors arising from the muscularis propria.

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.

Oncologic Safety of Laparoscopic Wedge Resection with Gastrotomy for Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: Comparison with Conventional Laparoscopic Wedge Resection

Purpose

Various laparoscopic wedge resection (LWR) techniques requiring gastrotomy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the stomach have been applied to facilitate tumor resection and preserve the remnant gastric volume. However, there is the possibility of cancer cell dissemination during these procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the oncologic safety of LWR with gastrotomy (LWR-G) compared to LWR without luminal exposure.

Materials and Methods

Clinicopathologic and operative results of 193 patients who underwent LWR for gastric GIST were retrospectively analyzed from 2003 to 2013. We stratified the patients into two groups: LWR-G and LWR without gastrotomy (LWR-C). Clinicopathologic features, short-term outcomes, and long-term outcomes were compared.

Results

A total of 26 patients underwent LWR-G, and 167 patients underwent LWR-C. The LWR-G group showed significantly more anterior wall-located (n=10, 38.5%), intraluminal (n=20, 76.9%), and ulcerative (n=13, 50.0%) tumors than the LWR-C group (n=33, 19.8%; n=96, 57.5%; n=46, 27.5%, respectively). Postoperative short-term outcomes did not differ between the two groups. When tumor staging was compared, no statistical difference was noted. There was no recurrence in the LWR-G group, while 2 patients in the LWR-C group experienced recurrence. The two recurrences in the LWR-C group were found in the liver and in the remnant stomach at 63 and 12 months after the operation, respectively. No gastric GIST-related death was recorded in any group during the study period.

Conclusions

LWR-G for gastric GIST is an oncologically safe procedure even for masses with ulcerations.

Intragastric laparoscopic surgery: An option for gastric lesions not resectable by endoscopy

Gastric mucosal and submucosal lesions can be resected by endoscopy, laparoscopy or open surgery. Operative methods have varied depending on the location, endophytic growth and size of the lesion. Interest in minimally invasive surgery has increased and many surgeons are attempting laparoscopic approaches, especially in lesions of the stomach near the esophagogastric junction not amendable to endoscopic removal, because conventional surgery can produce stenosis and distort the postoperative anatomy, and increase morbimortality. We report our experience with laparoscopic intragastric surgery in 3 consecutive patients, with no complications. Laparoscopic intragastric surgery extends the surgeons' armamentarium to resect complex gastric lesions, while offering patients the benefits of minimal access surgery.

Various features of laparoscopic tailored resection for gastric submucosal tumors: a single institution's results for 168 patients

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic resection is a standard procedure for gastric submucosal tumors. Herein, we analyzed the features of various laparoscopic approaches.

METHODS

Between January 2007 and November 2013, 168 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic resection for gastric submucosal tumors were enrolled. Patients' demographics and clinicopathologic and perioperative data were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Among the 168 patients, exogastric wedge resection was performed in 99 cases (58.9%), single-port intragastric resection was performed in 30 cases (17.9%), eversion technique was used in 17 cases (10.1%), transgastric resection was performed in 8 cases (4.8%), and single-port wedge resection was performed in 6 cases (3.6%). The remaining cases underwent single-port exogastric wedge resection, laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery, or major resection. Mean age was 56.8 ± 13.3 years, and body mass index was 24.0 ± 3.2 kg/m(2). Mean operation time was 96.1 ± 58.9 min; laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy had the longest operation time (3 cases, 291.7 ± 129.0 min). In contrast, the laparoscopic eversion technique had the shortest operation time (82.6 ± 32.8 min). Pathologic data revealed a mean tumor size of 2.9 ± 1.2 cm (with a range of 0.8-8.0 cm). Tumors were most common on the body (98 cases, 58.3%), followed by the fundus (44 cases, 26.2%). Exophytic growth occurred in 39 cases (23.2%), endophytic growth occurred in 89 cases (53.0%), and dumbbell-type growth occurred in 40 cases (23.8%). Gastrointestinal stromal tumors occurred in 130 cases (77.4%), and schwannomas occurred in 23 (13.7%). Thirteen patients had postoperative complications (delayed gastric emptying in 5, stricture in 3, bleeding in 3, others in 2). The mean follow-up period was 28.8 ± 20.8 months, and there were three recurrences (1.8%) at 6, 19 and 31 months after the initial surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

For gastric submucosal tumors with appropriate locations and growth types, laparoscopic tailored resection which facilitates safer and more precise resection can be good alternative treatment option.