Background: The laparoscopic resection of gastric stromal tumors (GST) is b
eing performed with increased frequency. Methods: Between November 1993 and
October 1998, nine consecutive patients with benign and low-grade gastric
stromal tumors underwent laparoscopic resection using intraoperative endosc
opy. For lesions located on the anterior wall (three cases), a direct appro
ach was utilized. Lesions located on the posterior wall were resected via a
transgastric approach (four cases) or through a small opening on the oment
um or on the gastrocolic ligament (two cases). Excision of the lesions was
performed manually by means of electrocautery and scissors in eight cases;
the gastric incisions were closed by manual running suture. An endoscopic s
tapler device was used in one case only.
Results: All patients were successfully treated laparoscopically; there wer
e no conversions to open surgery. Operative time ranged from 75 to 120 min.
There was one bleeding from the suture line of the gastric wall postoperat
ively that was treated conservatively. The average postoperative hospital s
tay was 4 days (range, 2-6).
Conclusions: In light of the results reported in the literature and on the
basis of the present work, it seems that laparoscopic resection of GST shou
ld be considered as the treatment of choice. Wedge resection of anterior wa
ll lesions is generally performed. The treatment of posterior wall lesions
is still controversial. In our opinion the direct approach should be reserv
ed for lesions located on the posterior wall of the body, which can be easi
ly reached through the greater omentum, while the transgastric approach sho
uld be preferred for lesions located on the fundus and antrum. Manual excis
ion allows a tailored operation; hand-sewn sutures are always feasible, and
they are cheaper than stapled ones.