A Clinical Analysis of Laparoscopic Benign Gastric Tumor Resection

Lee, In Kyu; Kim, Won Woo; Kim, Eung Kook

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Benign gastric tumors can be safely removed laparoscopically without any problem.
METHODS
Fifteen patients were considered candidates for laparoscopic resection of benign gastric tumors. Criteria for patient selection included who has persistent complaints of clinical symptoms, tumor size less then 5 cm, and benign characteristics. All patients underwent preoperative gastricfibroscopy, and some pathologically questionable cases also received abdominal computerized tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). The operative procedures were performed using a gas or gasless laparoscopic technique. Especially in posterior wall gastric tumors, we used a long aorta clamp with the gasless technique instead of opening the anterior gastric wall. After resection of the tumor, we used hand sewing or a stapling device for anastomosis. The results of the operations and the clinical course were analyzed retrospectivelly.
RESULTS
Final pathologic diagnoses included a heterotropic pancreas, a leiomyoma, a neurofibroma, a neurilemmoma and a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Only one case was converted to a laparotomy. There was one instance of postoperative suture line bleeding. The mean operative time was 174 min, and the mean hospital stay was 6.3 days. One pathologically confirmed GIST case had malignant characteristics.
CONCLUSION
Laparoscopic management of benign gastric tumors can be perform safely with excellent clinical course.