To report surgical indications, procedures, and outcomes of resection for gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs), particularly gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), emphasizing the effectiveness of laparoscopic techniques.
Key Findings:
LECS became a standard procedure in the hospital since April 2014, indicating a shift in surgical practice.
Preoperative diagnosis of GIST was more common in the LECS group (48%) compared to the non-LECS group (16.7%), suggesting improved diagnostic capabilities.
Mean tumor size was larger in the non-LECS group (36 mm) compared to the LECS group (24 mm), highlighting the selection criteria for surgical approaches.
Interpretation:
The study suggests that LECS is a viable and effective approach for resecting gastric SMTs, particularly for larger tumors, and underscores the importance of selecting appropriate surgical techniques based on tumor characteristics to enhance patient outcomes.
Limitations:
Retrospective design may introduce selection bias, potentially affecting the reliability of the findings.
Small sample size may limit generalizability of findings, necessitating further research with larger cohorts.
Conclusion:
LECS offers a promising surgical strategy for managing gastric GISTs, with outcomes dependent on tumor size and location, warranting further investigation into its long-term efficacy.
