Intragastric approach for submucosal tumors located near the Z‐line: A hybrid laparoscopic and endoscopic technique

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and impact of the "intragastric" approach to laparoscopic wedge resection as a surgical option for the treatment of suspected small sized gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) located at the level of Z-line. METHODS: We reviewed six patients who underwent laparoscopic intragastric resection of a suspected gastric SMT. In all cases, tumor mass was located just below the Z-line. The patients' clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes were prospectively recorded and reviewed. RESULTS: All six patients were underwent successfully laparoscopic wedge resection by the intragastric approach using a balloon-type trocar. No case was required open conversion. The mean operation time was 128 min, and the mean hospital stay was 4 days. Five cases were proven to have leiomyoma, and one case was found to have gastrointestinal stromal tumor with low risk. The mean tumor size was 2.7 cm. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic resection through the "intragastric" approach is a safe and feasible option for gastric SMTs located at the level of Z-line.