MINIMALLY INVASIVE MANAGEMENT OF LOW-GRADE AND BENIGN GASTRIC TUMORS

Background: Benign gastric tumors and tumors of low-grade malignancy c an be safely removed laparoscopically. Methods: Seven patients were co nsidered candidates for laparoscopic resection of gastric tumors. Incl usion criteria included small tumor size (less than 6 cm), exophytic o r endophytic tumor morphology, and benign characteristics. Indications for surgical intervention included bleeding, weight loss, and need fo r tissue diagnosis. Patients ranged in age from 38 to 70. There were f ive female and two male patients. All patients underwent preoperative upper GI endoscopy. The procedures were performed using a four-or five -port technique. An Endo-GIA (US Surgical Company, Norwalk, Connecticu t) was used to amputate those tumors located on the serosal surface of the stomach, Tumors on the mucosal surface were exposed via a gastrot omy, then Likewise amputated using an Endo-GIA, The gastrotomy closure was then either hand sewn or stapled, Operating time ranged from 95 t o 225 min. Results: Final pathologic diagnoses included lipoma, lympho ma, leiomyoma,and leiomyosarcoma. There was a 28% conversion rate, The re were no complications. Length of postoperative stay ranged from 4 t o 7 days, There have been no tumor recurrences in 6-38-month follow-up . Conclusions: Minimally invasive management of benign and low-grade g astric tumors can be performed safely with excellent short-and long-te rm results.