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.