HP10 LAPAROSCOPIC RESECTION OF SUBMUCOSAL GASTRIC LESIONS – THE WHANGAREI EXPERIENCE.

Purpose To evaluate safety of laparoscopic resection of submucosal gastric lesions performed in Whangarei Based Hospital. Methodology From November 2002 to December 2006, 8 consecutive patients underwent the above mention surgery. (M : F = 5 : 3; Average age 63 [range, 43–83]). All patients underwent pre-operative gastroscopy. Wedge resections were performed for anterior wall lesions. (n = 3). Posterior wall lesions were resected via transgastric approach. (n = 4). Retroperitoneal resection was performed for the foregut duplication cyst. (n = 1). All except one lesion were resected using endoscopic GIA stapler. The medical records of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. Results All patients were successfully treated laparoscopically. No conversion to open surgery. Pathology included: Gastrointestinal-stromal tumor (GIST) (n = 5), Malignant leiomyosarcoma (n = 1), Ectopic pancreas (n = 1), and Foregut duplication cysts (n = 1). All achieved adequate negative surgical margin. Average operation time was 106.14 minutes. [Range, 75–150]. Average length of hospital stay was 3.42 days [range, 1–5]. Complication included one wound infection, and one pyloric stenosis. Average length of follow up was 10.96 months [range, 0.46–31.73]. No recurrence detected and all are still alive till date. Conclusion Laparoscopic resection of submucosal gastric lesions is a safe and appropriate alternative to open surgery. Its main advantage over open technique includes shorter length of hospital stay, lower recurrence rate and lower mortality rates. Surgical technique depends very much on tumor size and location. Outcome of the patients described from our centre is comparable to the others published till date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]