title: Comparison of the post-operative outcomes and survival of laparoscopic versus open resections for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A multi-center prospective cohort study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Laparoscopic resection (LR) is increasingly performed for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The aim of this study is to investigate the short-term outcomes and therapeutic effects of LR compared to open resection (OR) of gastric GISTs.
  
  
  METHODS
  During 2009-2014, a prospective cohort of 200 patients with gastric GISTs indicated for resection underwent LR and OR procedures in three centers in Shanghai. Patient demographics, peri-operative complications, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After exclusions, 176 patients who underwent gastric GIST resections were compared, of which 91 were laparoscopic, 85 were open. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic resection of GIST has shorter operative time (102 vs. 172 min, p < 0.001), lower blood loss (100 vs 144 ml, p < 0.001), and shorter length of stay (9.1 vs. 15.3 d, p < 0.001). No statistical significant difference is observed for time to bowel function or semi-liquid diet, complications, recurrence rates, and mortality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LR is a safe and efficacious treatment for gastric GISTs, providing the advantages of shorter operative time, reduced blood loss, and shorter length of stay, all without compromising post-operative outcomes and survival.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. Electronic address: vincyhu@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Jin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Brian Ho Nam
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Or
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. Electronic address: mingliang-99@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Ming Liang
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D005743:Gastrectomy; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000401:mortality* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality* / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: GIST; Gastrectomy; Gastrointestinal stromal tumor; Laparoscopy; Minimally invasive surgery