LAUSR

BackgroundLaparoscopic wedge resection (LWR) is used to treat gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs). However, LWR can injure the cardia if tumors are near the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), resulting in gastric stenosis. This study’s purpose was to summarize our experience with endoscope-assisted LWR for gastric SMTs within 3 cm of the EGJ and to verify the procedure’s feasibility and safety.MethodsData from 91 consecutive patients with gastric SMTs within 3 cm of the EGJ who underwent endoscope-assisted LWR at our hospital from 2007 to 2017 were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. The clinicopathological results, perioperative data, and long-term follow-up data were analyzed.ResultsAll patients successfully underwent endoscope-assisted LWR. The mean distance from tumor to EGJ was 2.43 ± 0.80 cm. Eighty-two patients underwent laparoscopic exogastric wedge resection (LEWR) and nine underwent laparoscopic transgastric wedge resection (LTWR). Mean operative time was 112.4 ± 48.8 min; mean blood loss was 36.8 ± 53.5 ml. Mean time to first flatus was 2.04 ± 0.68 days. Mean time to liquid intake was 2.53 ± 0.85 days. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.97 ± 1.80 days. Three patients (3.3%) had postoperative complications, all Clavien–Dindo grade I. The mean maximum tumor diameter was 3.00 ± 1.96 cm (range 0.5–10). LTWR was used more often than LEWR for SMTs in the posterior wall, those with intraluminal growth, and those closer to the EGJ. The mean follow-up time was 36.86 ± 29.73 months (range 3–126). There was no stenosis of EGJ or tumor recurrence. Sixteen patients (17.6%) complained of upper gastrointestinal symptoms during the follow-up, which were all relieved by usage of acid suppressive medications.ConclusionsEndoscope-assisted LWR is safe, feasible, and effective for gastric SMTs near the EGJ. LTWR is preferable to LEWR for gastric SMTs in the posterior wall, those with intraluminal growth, and those closer to the EGJ.