Abstract
[Background] Laparoscopy and endoscopy cooperative surgery (LECS) for gastric submucosal tumor (SMT) resection has been reported by several investigators. We investigated the safety and usefulness of LECS for resection of gastric SMT in the cardiac region of the stomach.
[Methods] A total of 15 patients with gastric SMT in the cardiac region of the stomach underwent LECS between June 2006 and April 2013. We examined the patients' backgrounds, characteristics of the lesion, operative outcomes, and postoperative courses.
[Results] The mean tumor size was 3.5 cm. The circumferential extension of the tumor at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) was less than 50% in 11 patients and 50% or more in four patients. We could not complete LECS in the four patients with circumferential extension of the tumor exceeding 50% at the EGJ, necessitating intraoperative conversion of the method to open surgery or proximal gastrectomy. The patients in whom LECS was completed had no complications, while three of the four patients in whom LECS was not completed experienced complications such as suture failure, intra-abdominal abscess, or anastomosis stricture.
[Conclusion] LECS is useful for resection of gastric SMT in the cardiac region of the stomach when circumferential extension of the tumor at the EGJ is less than 50%.
