OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and short-term efficacy of laparoscopic resection of primary local gastric and intestinal gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GIST).

METHODSClinicopathological data of 26 patients with GIST, 20 located at the stomach and 6 at the intestine, undergoing laparoscopic complete resection from October 2010 to April 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSHand-assisted laparoscopic surgery was performed in 3 patients with gastric GIST, while the other 23 underwent regular laparoscopic surgery. All the procedures were performed successfully without conversion to open operation. According to tumor location and growth types, gastric local resection was performed in 18 cases, distal gastrectomy in 2 cases and intestinal segmental resection in all 6 cases of intestinal GIST. The mean diameter of tumor was (4.5±1.6) cm. The mean operational time was(96.2±28.2) min, with a mean blood loss of (49.6±38.6) ml. Postoperative bowel function recovery time was (2.3±0.7) d and the length of postoperative hospital stay was (6.8±1.9) d. Bleeding from gastrointestinal tract developed in 1 patient after resection of intestinal GIST. Postoperative pathology indicated very low risk of GIST in 1(3.8%), low risk in 13(50.0%), intermediate in 9(34.6%) and high risk in 3(11.5%) patients, respectively. After a follow-up ranging form 3 to 32 months, no recurrence or death was found.

CONCLUSIONLaparoscopic surgery of primary local GISTs from stomach or intestine is safe and feasible in selected patients, with less invasiveness, rapid recovery, and favorable short-term outcomes.