Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare mesenchymal tumors, most commonly arising in the stomach. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of cure, and can often be accomplished laparoscopically. Tumor size and location guide selection of appropriate resection technique.METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing surgery at a single academic center between 2000 and 2018. Comparisons and descriptive statistics performed using student's t test and chi2 test.RESULTS: 77 patients underwent resection for gastric GIST, 53 (68%) laparoscopic. Patients undergoing open operations had significantly larger tumors (4cm vs 7cm, p<0.001). Operative time was not significantly different between the two groups (117min vs 104min, p=0.26). Median length of stay was significantly shorter for laparoscopic resection, and postoperative complication rate was lower. A review of the operative notes revealed four types of resection: non-anatomic stapled wedge resection, resection of a full-thickness "disk" of stomach around the tumor with primary closure, formal partial gastrectomy with reconstruction, and laparoscopic transgastric (endoluminal) resection.CONCLUSION: Non-anatomic resection (wedge or disk) is most feasible for tumors on the greater curve or gastric body, far enough from the pylorus and gastroesophageal junction to avoid narrowing inflow or outflow. A partial gastrectomy may be required for large tumors or those encroaching on the esophagus or pylorus. For small intraluminal tumors, a laparoscopic transgastric approach is ideal. This review of the technical details of each type of resection can aid in selecting the ideal approach for difficult tumors.

View details for DOI 10.1007/s00464-020-07510-x

View details for PubMedID 32221752