title: Transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic wedge resection for gastric submucosal tumors: technical challenges encountered in initial experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the initial clinical experience with single-incision laparoscopic gastric wedge resection for submucosal tumors.
  
  
  METHODS
  The medical records of 10 patients who underwent single-incision laparoscopic gastric wedge resection between July 2009 and March 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic data, clinicopathologic and surgical outcomes were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean tumor size was 2.5 cm (range, 1.2~5.0 cm), and the tumors were mostly located on the anterior wall (4/10) or along the greater curvature (4/10), of the stomach. Nine of ten procedures were performed successfully, without the use of additional trocars, or conversion to laparotomy. One patient underwent conversion to multiport laparoscopic surgery, to get simultaneous cholecystectomy safely. The mean operating time was 66.5 minutes (range, 24~132 minutes), and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (range, 4~7 days). No serious perioperative complications were observed. Of the 10 submucosal tumors, the final pathologic report revealed 5 gastrointestinal stromal tumors, 4 schwannomas, and 1 heterotopic pancreas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Single-incision laparoscopic gastric wedge resection for gastric submucosal tumors is feasible and safe, when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. This technique provides favorable cosmetic results, and also short hospital stay and low morbidity, in carefully selected candidates.
authors.affiliation: Gastric Cancer Branch, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji Yeon
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Bang Wool
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Eom
authors.forename: Hongman
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yoon
authors.forename: Keun Won
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Ryu
authors.forename: Young-Woo
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jun Ho
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Gastrectomy; Gastrointestinal stromal tumors; Stomach neoplasms; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive