title: Laparoscopic resection for large gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): intermediate follow-up results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic wedge resection has become a widely accepted treatment for small gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of the stomach. However, its feasibility as treatment for large gastric GIST is not known. In this retrospective study, the perioperative and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic wedge resection for gastric GIST (5-8 cm) were reviewed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between November 2002 and December 2012, a total of 39 patients with primary gastric GIST sized 5-8 cm underwent surgery at a tertiary care center, including 18 patients who underwent laparoscopic wedge resection of the stomach (Lap group) and 21 patients who underwent open wedge resection of the stomach (Open group). Clinicopathological parameters were reviewed and compared between the groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The demographics including age, gender, and body weight were similar between groups. The operative outcomes including blood loss, hospital stay, and surgical complications were also similar, except that operative time was longer in the Lap group (146.6 ± 50.2 vs. 113.3 ± 42.9 min in the Open group, p = 0.03). There was no tumor rupture, conversion of procedures, or major surgical morbidity in either group. The overall median follow-up time was 3.6 years (1.0-11.1). Only one patient in the Lap group had liver metastasis (4 months postoperatively). This patient remains alive 5 years later under imatinib treatment. One patient in the Open group and three patients in the Lap group have died of GIST-unrelated diseases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic wedge resection of the stomach for primary gastric GIST (5-8 cm) appears to be safe and feasible, with operative and oncological outcomes comparable to those of the open method.
authors: Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Chih-Yang
authors: CY
authors: Hsiao
authors: Ching-Yao
authors: CY
authors: Yang
authors: I-Rue
authors: IR
authors: Lai
authors: Chiung-Nien
authors: CN
authors: Chen
authors: Ming-Tsan
authors: MT
authors: Lin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005743:Gastrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D047368:Tumor Burden