Laparoscopic Treatment of Gastric <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">Gist</Emphasis>: Report of 21 Cases and Literature’s Review

Background Although the feasibility of laparoscopic resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) has been established, various aspects are debated. This paper describes the problems of minimally invasive resection of gastric GISTs and compares this experience with an extensive literature review. Study Design Between August 2001 and December 2006, 21 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs were enrolled in a prospective study. A literature review of laparoscopic treatment was performed on Pubmed using keywords GIST and surgery. A comparison with authors’ experience with open wedge-segmental resection of GISTs (25 cases from November 1995 to December 2000) was also carried out. Statistical analysis was based on chi-squared test and t Student evaluation. Results Twenty-one patients, mean age 50.1 years (range, 34–68 years), were submitted to laparoscopic wedge- segmental gastric resections. Mean tumor size was 4.5 cm (range, 2.0–8.5 cm). Mean operative time was 151 min (range, 52–310 min), the mean blood loss was 101 mL (range, 10–250 mL), and the mean hospital stay was 4.8 days (range 3–7 days). There were no major operative complications or mortalities. All lesions had negative resection margins. At a mean follow-up of 35 months, all patients were disease-free. Morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and oncologic outcomes were comparable to the open surgery retrospective evaluation (p = not significant). Conclusions As found also in the literature review, the laparoscopic resection is safe and effective in treating gastric GISTs. Given these findings as well as the advantages afforded by laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive approach should be the preferred surgical treatment in patients with small- and medium-sized gastric GISTs.     

Laparoscopic resection of clinically suspected gastric stromal tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) account for 5% of all gastric tumors. Preoperative diagnosis is relatively difficult because biopsy samples are rarely obtained during fibergastroscopy. Surgical radical resection is the gold standard treatment, allowing pathologic study for both diagnosis and prognosis. Laparoscopic resection has become an alternative to the open approach, but long-term results are not well known. The aim of this study is to report experience with laparoscopic resection, placing special emphasis on preoperative diagnosis and describing long-term results. A retrospective analysis was made of all patients undergoing a laparoscopic resection for clinically suspected gastrointestinal stromal tumors between November 1998 and August 2006 at 2 tertiary hospitals. The medical records of all participants were reviewed regarding surgical technique, clinicopathologic features, and postoperative long-term outcome. Laparoscopic gastric resection was attempted in 22 patients (13 women and 9 men) with a mean age of 66.7 years (range, 29-84 years). One patient had 2 gastric tumors. Tumor localization was upper gastric third in 6 patients, mid-gastric third in 7, and distal third in 10. Surgical techniques were transgastric submucosal excision (n = 1), wedge resection (n = 13), partial gastrectomy with Y-en-Roux reconstruction (n = 6), and total gastrectomy with Y-en-Roux reconstruction (n = 2). Two patients (9.1%) required conversion to the open procedure because of tumor size. Postoperative morbidity was delayed gastric emptying in 3 patients. Median postoperative stay was 6 days (range, 4-32 days). Pathologic and immunohistochemical study confirmed gastrointestinal stromal tumors in 18 cases. The other 4 cases were adenomyoma, hamartoma, plasmocytoma, and parasitic tumor (anisakis). Median tumor size was 5.6 cm (range, 2.5-12.5 cm) in cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Malignant risk of gastrointestinal stromal tumors assessed according to mitotic index and size was low (n = 8), intermediate (n = 6), or high (n = 4). After a median follow-up of 32 months (range, 1-72 months), there was 1 case of recurrence of GIST. Definitive preoperative diagnosis of gastric submucosal tumors is frequently difficult. The laparoscopic approach to surgical treatment of these tumors seems safe and is associated with acceptable intermediate-term results, especially in cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.     

Laparoscopic Management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) represent the most common non-epithelial tumour of the digestive tract. Laparoscopic approach may be considered ideal for the resection of these tumours. Their particular biological behaviour allows for a curative resection even without large resection margins and extensive lymphadenectomies. Method: Over a period of five years, eight patients benefited from laparoscopic resections (six patients with primary gastric GIST and two patients with small bowel GIST). Pathological features were analyzed including tumour size, surgical margin status, immunohistochemical staining profile, and tumour mitotic index. All cases were confirmed GISTs by immunohistochemical staining.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 61.6 years (range 48–71years). Of these patients, five initially presented to hospital with acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage (four cases) or occult bleeding (one case). Gastric or small bowel tumours were identified during subsequent investigation. A presumptive diagnosis of gastric GIST was made in gastric lesions based on endoscopic, ultrasonic, and CT scan characteristics. Small bowel tumours were identified and presumed to be GIST based on information gathered from video capsule endoscopy, enteroscopy and CT scan. Complete resection was obtained with laparoscopic approach in six cases, while in two cases resection was laparoscopically assisted, with added oncology safety margins as preoperative definitive diagnosis was not available. Tumours varied in dimension from 2.5cm to 9 cm and their malignant risk score using Fletcher criteria was low in three cases, intermediate in three cases and high in two cases. Mean postoperative stay was 3.8 days and there were no complications, nor postoperative mortality. After a mean follow-up of 26 months (range 1 to 60 months) all patients are symptom free and free of recurrent disease.

Conclusions: A selective approach to laparoscopic resection of gastro-intestinal GISTs allows safe resection and very good results, on the condition that a clear diagnosis of GIST has been established on preoperative assessment. The laparoscopic feasible and safe considering the biological particularities of GIST, and it carries no additional risks.     

Laparoscopic versus open resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach

Background

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Surgical treatment is the only chance of cure for patients with a primary localized GIST. A laparoscopic approach has been considered reasonable for these tumors of gastric origin. The current study compares the outcome of laparoscopic versus open resection of gastric GISTs and compares our series with the few published studies comparing the open versus the laparoscopic approach.

Methods

From a prospectively collected database, we found 53 primary gastric GIST resections that were performed in our department. Laparoscopic (LAP) resections were performed in 37 patients and traditional (OPEN) resections in 16 patients. Clinical and pathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes were analyzed according to surgical procedure.

Results

Patients who underwent LAP or OPEN resection of gastric GISTs did not differ with respect to age at operation, gender, clinical presentation, and tumor size. Operative time was significantly lower for LAP than for OPEN resection, with a mean duration of 45 and 132.5 min, respectively (p < 0.001). LAP resection yielded a significantly shorter length of stay (median 7 vs. 14 days; p = 0.007) and lower 30-day morbidity rate (2.7 % vs. 18.9 %; p = 0.077). The operative mortality was 12.5 % after OPEN resection and there was no operative mortality after LAP (p = 0.087). The recurrence rate was significantly lower after LAP surgery (0 % vs. 37.5 %; p < 0.001). All patients in the LAP group are alive without recurrence, and 25 % (4/16) of the OPEN group are alive with recurrence but in complete remission under imatinib mesylate treatment. Two patients of the open group died due to progression of GIST (p = 0.087).

Conclusions

Compared to open resection, laparoscopic resection of gastric stromal tumors is associated with a shorter operation time, a shorter hospital stay, and a lower recurrence rate.     

腹腔镜胃切除手术治疗胃间质瘤

目的：探讨腹腔镜手术治疗胃间质瘤（gastricstromal tumors,GST）的临床应用价值。方法：回顾分析2003年6月至2009年2月间接受腹腔镜手术的36例GST病人的临床资料,包括手术方式、手术时间、术中失血、术后排气时间、术后住院天数、并发症、术后病理及随访资料等。结果：所有GST切除手术均在腹腔镜下完成,其中行腹腔镜胃楔形切除者21例．腹腔镜经胃肿瘤外翻切除术者12例,腹腔镜辅助远端胃切除术者2例,腹腔镜辅助下内镜胃间质瘤圈套套扎术者1例。无一例病人中转开腹手术,手术平均时间为75（30～210）min,术中平均失血60（5-150）mL．肿瘤平均大小3．0（0．5～11．5）cm,肿瘤切缘镜下均为阴性;术后平均排气时间2（1～11）d,手术后平均住院天数8f3。131d。1例病人出现术后胃腔内出血,经保守治疗后1d出出即停止,其余病例无重大术后并发症。术后平均随访25（4～67）个月,所有病人均无肿瘤复发和远处转移。结论：腹腔镜辅助胃切除是治疗GST之安全、可行、做创、有效的手术方法。     

Laparoscopic resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Background Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are neoplasms with low malignant potential. They occur most commonly in the stomach, where they are amenable to laparoscopic resection. Methods A case note review of all patients undergoing laparoscopic resection of a presumed gastric GIST at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, United Kingdom, was conducted. Results Since September 1995, 30 patients have undergone this procedure. The patients had a mean age of 64.2 years (range, 31–87 years) and a mean weight of 74.1 kg (range, 44–104 kg). A presumptive diagnosis of GIST was made in all the cases based on the endoscopic and radiologic appearance of the lesion. Laparoscopic resection was completed successfully in 23 patients with a mean operating time of 73.8 min (range, 26–160 min). Seven procedures were converted to open surgery: three because the tumor was deemed too large for laparoscopic resection, two because the tumor could not be identified, one because of dense peritoneal adhesions, and one because of bleeding. The mean estimated blood loss was 196 ml (range, 0–1,000 ml), and the mean hospital stay was 5 days (ranges, 1–11 days). Pathologic analysis of the resected specimens showed 22 GISTs, 3 inflammatory fibroids, 2 submucosal lipomas, 1 submucosal varix, and 1 nest of heterotopic pancreatic tissue. During a median follow-up period of 18 months (range, 2–101 months) there have been two cases of recurrence. In both cases, the tumor was catagorized as high risk for aggressive behavior after primary resection. Conclusion Stapled laparoscopic resection is a safe and effective treatment option for nonmetastatic primary gastric GIST.     

Laparoscopic resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) is safe and effective, irrespective of tumor size

Background

Feasibility and long-term safety of laparoscopic removal of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the stomach is well established for lesions smaller than 2 cm. Our specific aim was to explore whether laparoscopic treatment is equally applicable for gastric GISTs larger than 2 cm.

Methods

Between 1997 and 2010, 31 consecutive patients presenting with a primary gastric GIST were scheduled for laparoscopic resection, irrespective of tumor size. Prerequisites for laparoscopic approach were the absence of metastases and the presence of a well-defined tumor on CT scanning without involvement of adjacent organs, the esophagogastric junction, or the pylorus of the stomach. Data were retrieved retrospectively from a prospectively collected database, including information on patient demographics, surgical procedure, complications, hospital stay, and recurrence. Diagnosis of GIST was based on microscopic analysis, including immunohistochemistry with a panel of antibodies: CD117, CD34, DOG1, S100, desmin, and smooth muscle actin.

Results

All 31 laparoscopic resections were carried out successfully. The most common symptoms were melena, anemia, and abdominal pain. In one case we performed a laparoscopic approach for a GIST with acute bleeding. Tumor size was smaller than 2 cm in 5 patients and larger than 2 cm in 26 patients. The median tumor size was 4.4 cm (range = 0.4–11.0 cm). Median blood loss was identical in both groups (20 ml), but duration of operation (60 vs. 103 min) and duration of hospital stay (6 vs. 8 days) were lower when tumor size was less than 2 cm. Only one patient (with tumor size <2 cm) experienced a postoperative hemorrhage. After a median follow-up of 52 months, there were no recurrences or metastases.

Conclusion

The low morbidity rates and the long-term disease-free interval of 100% observed in our cohort indicate that laparoscopic resection is safe and effective in treating gastric GISTs, even for tumors larger than 2 cm.     

Laparoscopic management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Background Surgery remains the standard for nonmetastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Laparoscopic surgery should be considered for these tumors as their biologic behavior lends them to curative resection without requiring large margins or extensive lymphadenectomies. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent laparoscopic treatment of GISTs by surgeons at the Mount Sinai Medical Center from 2000-2005. Records were reviewed with respect to patient demographics, medical history, diagnostic workup, operative details, postoperative course, and pathologic characteristics. Results Laparoscopic surgery was attempted in 43 patients with GISTs. The average age was 65 years and 21 were women. Fifty-six percent of patients presented with anemia or gastrointestinal bleeding. The tumors were located in the stomach (65%) and in the small bowel (35%). The mean tumor sizes were 4.6 cm (stomach) and 3.7 cm (small bowel). Gastric operations included laparoscopic wedge (29%), sleeve (21%), and partial (29%) gastrectomies. The three gastric conversions were due to local invasion of tumor into adjacent organs or proximity to the gastroesophageal junction. Small bowel operations included laparoscopic resections with extracorporeal (47%) and intracorporeal anastamoses (33%). Conversion in small bowel operations was associated with coincidental pathology in addition to the GIST. This consisted of an associated bowel perforation and a synchronous colonic carcinoma. There was one mortality and a 9% morbidity rate, including an evisceration requiring reoperation. All tumors were pathologically confirmed with CD117 immunohistochemistry. Conclusions In light of their biologic behavior, GISTs should be considered for laparoscopic resection. This minimally invasive approach to these tumors can be performed safely and reliably.     

腹腔镜手术治疗胃和小肠胃肠间质瘤疗效分析

目的探讨原发局限性胃和小肠胃肠间质瘤（GIST）腹腔镜手术切除的可行性和短期效果。方法回顾性分析2010年10月至2013年4月间在中山大学附属第一医院接受腹腔镜手术治疗的20例胃GIST和6例小肠GIST患者的临床病理资料。结果26例患者中行手辅助腹腔镜胃GIST切除3例,其余23例均行腹腔镜辅助切除手术,无一例中转开腹。根据肿瘤部位和生长方式,行胃局部切除术18例,远端胃部分切除2例,小肠部分切除6例。肿瘤直径（4．5±1．6）cm,手术时间（96．0±28．2）min,术中出血量（49．6±38．6）ml。术后胃肠功能恢复时间（2．3±0．7）d,术后住院时间（6．8±1．9）d。术后吻合口出血1例,保守治疗治愈。术后病理按照改良NIH标准显示,极低度恶性危险（极低危）1例（3．8％）,低危13例（50．0％）,中危9例（34．6％）,高危3例（11．5％）。术后随访3～32（中位数15）月,未发现复发或死亡病例。结论原发局限性胃或小肠GIsT腹腔镜切除创伤小、恢复快,短期效果满意。     

腹腔镜胃局部切除术的临床应用

目的 评价腹腔镜胃局部切除术的临床应用价值.方法 回顾性分析2006年2月至2010年1月解放军总医院收治的78例行腹腔镜胃局部切除术患者的临床资料.根据病灶的位置和游离范围,采用全腹腔镜下胃局部楔形切除术、腹腔镜辅助下胃局部切除术和腹腔镜联合内镜切割吻合器肿瘤切除术.探讨患者的手术疗效.结果 78例患者均在腹腔镜下成功完成胃局部切除手术,无一例中转开腹.其中,45例行全腹腔镜胃局部楔形切除术,22例采用腹腔镜辅助下胃局部切除术,11采用腹腔镜联合内镜切割吻合器肿瘤切除术.平均手术时间为75 min(45～120 min),术中平均出血量为60 ml(35～90 ml),切除病灶平均直径为(2.5±1.3)cm(0.7～4.8 cm).术后患者无并发症发生及死亡.术后肠道功能平均恢复时间为35 h(25～42 h),术后平均住院时间为7.5 d(6～9 d).术后病理检查:63例患者为胃间质瘤;11例患者为胃良性疾病,其中异位胰腺组织5例、炎性假瘤2例、增生性息肉2例、神经鞘瘤1例、血管瘤1例;4例患者为类癌,其中位于黏膜层3例、累及深肌层1例.本组患者中位随访时间为26个月,未发现术后出血、吻合口狭窄及戳孔种植.63例胃间质瘤患者中,2例术后行甲磺酸伊马替尼治疗、1例肿瘤复发行再次手术治疗,术后恢复良好.结论 腹腔镜胃局部切除术治疗胃良性疾病、胃间质瘤及早期胃癌安全、可行.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate laparoscopic local resection for the treatment of gastric tumors. Methods The clinical data of 78 patients who received laparoscopic local resection at the PLA General Hospital from February 2006 to January 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the tumor site and free range, total laparoscopic gastrectomy was applied to 45 patients, laparoscopic local resection was applied to 22 patients, laparoscopic and endoscopic tumor resection was applied to 11 patients. The efficacies of the surgical approaches were investigated. Results Laparoscopic local resection was successfully performed on the 78 patients without conversion to open surgery. The mean operation time and operative blood loss were 75 minutes (range, 45-120 minutes) and 60 ml (range, 35-90 ml), respectively. The mean diameter of the tumor was (2.5±1.3)cm (range, 0.7-4.8 cm). No mortality or morbidity occurred postoperatively. The bowel function recovery time and the duration of hospital stay were 35 hours (range, 25-42 hours) and 7.5 days (range, 6-9 days), respectively. The results of postoperative pathological examination verified that 63 patients were with gastric stromal tumor, 11 patients were with benign gastric diseases, including 5 with gastric heterotopic pancreas, 2 with inflammatory pseudotumor, 2 with hyperplastic polyp, 1 with schwannomas and one with angioma. Four patients were with carcinoid, 3 carcinoids were located in mucous layer and 1 invaded into muscular layer. The median time of follow-up was 26 months, and no anastomotic stenosis or port-site metastasis was observed. Of the 63 patients with gastric stromal tumor, 2 were treated with imatinib mesylate, 1 had tumor recurrence and received reoperation. Conclusion Laparoscopic local resection is safe and feasible for the treatment of benign gastric neoplasms, stromal tumor and early gastric tumors.     

Laparoscopic approaches to resection of suspected gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors based on tumor location

Background Surgical resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) should be optimized to achieve a negative pathologic surgical margin while limiting the extent of stomach volume loss. Careful identification of exact gastric tumor location using preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans and gastroscopy should allow for selection of a specific operative approach. Methods This retrospective case series involved 12 patients (7 men and 5 women; mean age, 60.5 years) with suspected gastric GIST undergoing tumor resection at Fletcher Allen Health Care, a university medical center, from January 2005 to August 2006. The main outcome measures were pathologic resection margins, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), morbidity, and duration of hospital stay. Results The 12 patients were separated into three groups on the basis of tumor location as follows: type 1 (fundus/greater curvature, n = 5), type 2 (prepyloric/antrum, n = 3), and type 3 (lesser curvature/perigastroesophageal junction, n = 4). Preoperative imaging (CT scan and/or endoscopy) used to identify tumor location accurately predicted the operative approach before surgery for 11 of the12 patients. The surgical approach was selected solely by tumor location as follows: type 1 (laparoscopic partial gastrectomy [LPG]), type 2 (laparoscopic distal gastrectomy [LDG]), and type 3 (laparoscopic transgastric resection [LTG]). Nine patients had a final pathologic diagnosis of GIST. The average tumor size was 4.6 cm, but this did not influence procedure selection. Histologic margins were microscopically negative in all patients. The LPG and LTG approaches had similar outcomes in terms of estimated blood loss (EBL; 80 vs 100 ml) and hospital stay (3.4 vs 3.3 days; p = 0.0198), but LTG had longer operative times (236 vs 180 min). The LDG procedure had longer operative times, greater EBL, and a longer hospital stay. The operative morbidity was 17%, and there was no operative mortality. Conclusion The selection of an operative technique for resection of gastric submucosal tumors can be based on preoperative identification of tumor location, for better definition of both the extent of gastric resection and the technical complexity of the laparoscopic procedure.     

Combined laparoscopic/endoscopic treatment of gastric stroma tumors

INTRODUCTION: Surgical therapy of Gastrointestinal stroma tumor (GIST) is the treatment of choice. Local resection will be carried out if technically possible. We describe the technique of laparoscopic wedge resection combined with intraoperative gastroscopy in order to achieve complete tumor resection. METHOD: We report on 4 cases with gastrointestinal stroma tumors which were located in the gastric corpus (n = 2) and the cardia (n = 2). RESULTS: In all patients the tumor could be removed completely without any perioperative complications using laparoscopic wedge resection controlled by intraoperative endoscopy. The duration of hospitalisation after operation was 7 days (5-10). On the basis of the mean tumor size (mean 3.8 cm) and the low mitotic activity (mean 2.75/high power fields) the tumors belong to the group with low malignant potential. There is no evidence of recurrence after a mean follow up period of 23 (6-30) months. CONCLUSION: Combined laparoscopic/endoscopic wedge resection is a safe method for total resection of GIST of the stomach and should be preferred as alternative to open surgery.     

Laparoscopic Versus Open Gastric Resections for Primary Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): A Size-Matched Comparison

Background

Laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs appears technically feasible and associated with favorable outcomes. Tumor size however frequently plays a role in surgical approach with larger tumors tending toward laparotomy, raising concern that favorable outcomes reported for the laparoscopic approach may reflect this selection bias.

Materials and Methods

From a prospectively collected sarcoma database, 155 primary gastric GIST resections were identified (1998–2009); 40 patients underwent successful laparoscopic resection for non-GE junction GIST and were randomly matched (1:1) by tumor size (±2.0 cm) to patients with open resection. Clinical and pathologic variables and surgical outcomes were associated with surgery type using conditional logistic regression analyses.

Results

The two surgical approaches were comparable for clinical and pathologic variables. Median operating room (OR) time was similar, although median length of stay postsurgery was lower in the laparoscopic versus open group (4 vs. 7 days, P = 0.002), as was estimated blood loss (EBL) (25 vs. 100 ml, P = 0.006). There was no operative mortality, and 30-day morbidity was similar. Oncologic outcomes were also similar with no positive microscopic margins, and 1 recurrence in each group with a median follow-up of 34 months. There were 13 conversions overall, 5 secondary to tumor location at the GE junction or lesser curve.

Conclusions

When matched for tumor size, laparoscopic resection of primary gastric GISTs ≤8 cm results in shorter hospital stays with similar OR time while maintaining sound oncologic outcomes compared with open resection.     

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor versus intra-abdominal fibromatosis of the bowel wall: a clinically important differential diagnosis

Intra-abdominal fibromatosis (IAF) is an uncommon benign neoplasm that usually occurs in the mesentery or retroperitoneum and may, on occasion, mimic a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Differentiating between these two entities is important clinically because IAF is a benign tumor whereas GISTs frequently have malignant potential. In this study, the authors identified 13 cases of IAF with prominent involvement of the bowel wall as well as 35 GISTs of the small intestine, colon, or mesentery and analyzed their clinical, gross, histologic, immunophenotypic, and ultrastructural characteristics to identify important distinguishing features. Patients with IAF were younger (mean, 34 yrs) than patients with GIST (mean, 54 yrs). Both types of tumors tended to be large, but GISTs were soft and lobulated with hemorrhage, necrosis, or cystification whereas IAFs were firm, tan, and homogeneous. Histologic features characteristic of GIST included the presence of spindle or epithelioid cells with variable architecture, mitotic activity (range, <1-95 mitoses/50 high-power fields [hpf]; mean, 15 mitoses/50 hpf), nuclear atypia, and myxoid or hyalinized stroma. Necrosis and hemorrhage were seen in 16 and 25 tumors, respectively. In contrast, IAFs were composed of broad, sweeping fascicles of monotonous spindle cells with mitotic activity (range, <3-11 mitoses/50 hpf; mean, 4 mitoses/50 hpf), bland nuclear features, and finely collagenous stroma. Necrosis, hemorrhage, and myxoid degeneration were not seen. Immunohistochemical studies performed on a limited number of GISTs and IAFs demonstrated that cells expressed vimentin (100% GIST and IAF), CD117 (88% GIST and 75% IAF), CD34 (42% GIST and 0% IAF), smooth muscle actin (63% GIST and 75% IAF), muscle actin (75% GIST and 75% IAF), desmin (8% GIST and 50% IAF), and S-100 protein (16% GIST and 0% IAF). Ultrastructural analysis of 21 GISTs revealed incomplete smooth muscle differentiation in some tumors whereas IAFs were shown to have complete myofibroblastic/fibroblastic differentiation. Information regarding clinical outcome was available on 29 patients and revealed that three patients with histologically benign GISTs were alive with no evidence of disease at 5 months to 6 years (mean, 3.5 yrs) and one patient with a histologically benign tumor died of disease after 7 years. Of patients with histologically malignant GIST, one died of surgical complications, 10 were alive without disease at I to 13 years (mean, 5.4 yrs), four were alive with disease at 4 months to 15 years (mean, 3.8 yrs), three had disseminated disease at operation, and seven were dead of disease at 10 months to 3 years (mean, 2.2 yrs). Follow up of eight patients with IAF demonstrated that five were alive without disease at 4 months to 15 years (mean, 5.3 yrs) and three had recurrences at 1 (two patients) and 2 years (one patient). In summary, IAFs can have many features (large size, infiltration of adjacent structures, mitotic activity) that can cause diagnostic confusion with GISTs and, importantly, the degree of mitotic activity present in IAFs may overlap that seen in malignant GISTs. These entities can be distinguished primarily by their light microscopic and ultrastructural features but there is a notable overlap in their immunohistochemical profiles. The distinction between these neoplasms is important because there are important clinical implications for the patient.     

Minimally invasive resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare neoplasms. The advent of electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry has led to the realization that these tumors originate from a pleuropotential cell known as the interstitial cell of Cajal (ICC). The morphologic features demonstrated as most predictive of recurrence or metastases are tumor size and mitotic rate. There is oncologic justification for minimally invasive resection techniques with gross margins for GISTs. Minimally invasive resection provides advantages to patients in terms of morbidity and recovery. A variety of endoscopic, laparoscopic, and hybrid techniques are described for surgically excising GISTs in different anatomic locations.     

Surgery for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors of the Stomach

Background  Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the main mesenchymal neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract. Tumor size, mitotic rate, and location correlate with potential malignancy and recurrence rate. Results of surgical treatment of gastric GIST are analyzed with emphasis on recurrence of disease after intermediate follow-up. Methods  From 1998 to 2006, a total of 63 patients (median age 62.1 ± 14.1) underwent gastric resection for GIST. Fifty-five patients (93.6%) returned for follow-up investigations, which included computed tomography in 45, gastroscopy in 32, and endosonography in 29. Positron emission tomography was done in five patients. Results  Mean tumor size was 5.3 ± 3.8 cm. Open atypical gastric resection was done in 32, distal gastric resection in five, and remnant gastrectomy in four patients. Laparoscopic gastric resection was initiated in 22 patients; the conversion rate was four of 22 (18.2%). Overall, R0 resection was reached in 61/63 patients (96.8%). According to the Fletcher criteria, 33 tumors (52.4%) were classified as intermediate or high risk GIST. Six patients (9.5%) died of unrelated causes before follow-up. After a median follow-up of 2.5 years, overall recurrence rate was 7.0% after R0 resection. Conclusion  Histologically proven complete resection is an effective treatment for gastric GIST. Laparoscopic procedures were carried out successfully in selected patients. Preliminary data were presented at the annual meeting of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgeons, Berlin 2006. No research grants funded this study.     

Our experience in the surgical treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

The authors carry out a retrospective review of 30 patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) who underwent surgical treatment over the period from 1974 to 2001. Sixteen were male and 14 female, with an average age of 60.9 years. Histologically, 19 tumours showed evidence of differentiation towards smooth muscle elements (10 benign and 9 malignant), 9 towards neural elements (3 benign and 6 malignant) and 2 iacked differentiation towards either cell type. Twenty-one tumours were located in the stomach, 1 in the duodenum, 3 in the jejunum and 5 in the ileum. The main symptoms were abdominal pain and abdominal masses, and the most sensitive diagnostic techniques were abdominal CT scan and endoscopy in gastroduodenal locations. In 21 gastric GISTs, the surgical procedures were local resection (15 cases), partial gastric resection (3 cases), subtotal gastrectomy (2 cases) and total gastrectomy (1 case). In 8 small bowel GISTs, we performed a typical intestinal resection while duodenal undifferentiated GIST was managed by pancreatico-duodenectomy. There was no operative mortality or morbidity. Among the 13 patients with benign GISTs, 1 died of causes unrelated to the disease, while 12 patients are still alive and in good health after a mean follow-up of 148.5 months (range: 6-262). Among patients with malignant muscular GISTs (6 gastric and 3 ileal), 3 with gastric tumours were lost to follow-up, 3 with gastric and 1 with ileal neoplasms are alive and free from disease after a median follow-up of 58 months (range 3-108), while 2 patients with ileal neoplasms died of metastatic disease 39 and 29 months after the surgical procedure. Among 6 patients with malignant neural GISTs (2 gastric, 2 jejunal and 2 ileal) 1 with a gastric tumour and 1 with a jejunal tumour were lost to follow-up, while 3 are still alive and in good health after a median follow-up of 67.6 months (range 19 to 94); another with jejunal disease developed liver metastases 14 months after small bowel resection and died 12 months later. The two patients with undifferentiated GIST both died of liver metastasis 38 months after pancreatico-duodenectomy and 43 months after total gastrectomy. The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pain and a palpable mass, but no specific signs were detected. In gastroduodenal lesions endoscopy plays a very important diagnostic role and CT scan is the most sensitive diagnostic technique in the evaluation of location, size, invasion of adjacent organs and metastases. Prognostic prediction on the basis of histological findings is difficult and in our experience undifferentiated tumours are always malignant.     

Laparoscopic resection of large gastric GISTs: feasibility and long-term results

Background

Laparoscopy is the procedure of choice for the resection of gastric Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) smaller than 2 cm; there is still debate regarding the most appropriate operative approach for larger GISTs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs larger than 2 cm.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2011, we prospectively enrolled all patients affected by gastric GIST larger than 2 cm. Exclusion criteria for the laparoscopic approach were the presence of metastases and the absence of any involvement of the esophago-gastric junction, the pyloric canal, or any adjacent organ. Final diagnosis of GIST was confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Follow-up assessment included abdominal CT scans every 6 months for the first 2 years and yearly thereafter.

Results

Twenty-four consecutive patients were enrolled. Twenty-one patients (87.5 %) were symptomatic. The most common symptoms were gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain. The mean tumor size was 5.51 cm (range 2.5–12.0 cm). GISTs were located in the lesser curvature in five cases (20.8 %), in the greater curvature in seven cases (29.1 %), in the posterior wall in one case (4.1 %), in the anterior wall in eight cases (33.3 %), and in the fundus in 3 cases (12.5 %). Laparoscopic resection was possible in all cases and took on average of 55 min (range 30–105 min). Median blood loss was 24 ml. No major intraoperative complications were observed. Mortality rate was 0 %. Median postoperative stay was 3 days. No patients were lost to follow-up. No recurrences occurred after a median follow-up period of 75 months.

Conclusion

Although larger randomized controlled trials comparing different surgical strategies for large gastric GISTs are warranted, our study supports the evidence that laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs is feasible, safe, and effective on long-term clinical outcome even for lesions up to 12 cm.     

Laparoscopic resection for gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach

BACKGROUND: We reviewed our experience with primary gastrointestinal tumors (GISTs) after surgical treatment. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2003, 56 patients who underwent surgical treatment for primary GIST of the stomach were enrolled in this study. Statistical analyses of the risk factors for recurrence were assessed. RESULTS: The proportion of cases undergoing laparoscopic surgery was 25 of 56 (44%) in these retrospective data. The site of recurrence was only the liver in all cases. These recurrent cases were defined as high-risk category. Tumors measuring over 2 cm in size tended to recur earlier, namely within 32 months. A statistical analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between the disease progression and the pathological phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study has shown that an initial laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs is feasible even when the tumor size is relatively small (2-5 cm). The pathological phenotype (especially tumor mitosis) directly correlates to the patient's survival even if the resected tumor size was relatively small.     

217例胃肠间质瘤临床分析

目的探讨胃肠间质瘤（GIST）的临床特征、诊治及影响预后的因素。方法回顾性分析2005年1月至2010年9月华中科技大学同济医学院附属协和医院经手术治疗的217例GIST患者的临床病理资料。比较不同因素对患者预后的影响。结果217例患者中男性103例,女性114例,中位年龄55岁。除4例患者因广泛浸润未完整切除外,其余213例均行完整切除,其中35例行腹腔镜手术;48例术后EI服伊马替尼。178例（82．0％）患者获得术后随访,随访时间3。74个月。随访期间有16例（9．0％）发生术后复发和（或）转移,Logistic回归分析显示．肿瘤部位（OR=2．547,95％CI：1．466～4．424）和核分裂像（OR=6．556,95％CI：2．974。14．449）是影响根治术后复发和（或）转移的独立危险因素。随访患者中带瘤生存者5例,11例死于GIST,其中小肠GIST7例,肠道外GIST4例。Cox回归分析显示,核分裂像（RR=2．654,95％CI：1．094～6．438）与复发和（或）转移（RR=32．988,95％CI：3．879～280．529）是GIST患者的独立预后因素。结论肿瘤部位与核分裂像是影响GIST根治术后复发和（或）转移的独立因素,核分裂像与术后复发和（或）转移是影响GIST预后的独立因素。外科手术完整切除联合靶向治疗可使GIST患者获得满意疗效。