BACKGROUNDGastric stromal tumors are the most common type of tumor originating from mesenchymal tissue. The traditional method for the treatment of gastric stromal tumor is surgical operation or therapeutic laparoscopy. More recently, endoscopic micro-traumatic surgery has become possible for gastric stromal tumors, with any perforation caused by endoscopic therapy mended endoscopically. We assessed the effectiveness of endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR) in the treatment of gastric stromal tumors arising from the muscularis propria.

METHODSOf the 42 gastric stromal tumors, each > 2.0 cm in diameter, arising from the muscularis propria, 22 were removed by EFR and 20 by laparoscopic surgery. Tumor expression of CD34, CD117, Dog-1, S-100, and smooth muscle actin (SMA) was assessed immunohistochemically. Operating time, complete resection rate, length of hospital stay, incidence of complications, and recurrence rates were compared between the two groups. Continuous data were compared by using independent samples t-tests and categorical data by using χ(2) tests.

RESULTSComparisons of the 22 gastric stromal tumors treated with EFR and the 20 treated with laparoscopic surgery showed similar operation times (60 - 155 minutes (mean, (90 ± 17) minutes) vs. 50 - 210 minutes (mean, (95 ± 21) minutes), P > 0.05), complete resection rates (100% vs. 95%, P > 0.05), and length of hospital stay (4 - 10 days (mean, (6.0 - 1.8) days) vs. 4 - 12 days (mean, (7.3 - 1.7) days), P > 0.05). None of the patients treated with EFR experienced complications, whereas one patient treated with laparoscopy required a conversion to laparotomy and one experienced postoperative gastroparesis. No recurrences were observed in either group. Immunohistochemical staining showed that of the 42 gastric stromal tumors diagnosed by gastroscopy and endoscopic ultrasound, six were leiomyomas (SMA-positive) and the remaining 36 were stromal tumors.

CONCLUSIONSGastric stromal tumors arising from the muscularis propria can be completely removed by EFR. EFR may replace surgical or laparoscopic procedures for the removal of gastric stromal tumors.