Total-Laparoscopic Intragastric Surgery for Cardia Endogenous Gastric Submucosal Tumors: A Single-Center Short-Term Experience

Background: Total-laparoscopic intragastric surgery (T-LIGS) has gradually been accepted for the treatment of endogenous gastric submucosal tumors. However, it is difficult to perform T-LIGS when the tumor is located at the esophagogastric junction (cardia endogenous gastric submucosal tumor [CEGSMT]) without special laparoscopic instruments that are not available in most developing countries. We have successfully treated 12 cases of CEGSMTs using conventional laparoscopic instruments and achieved acceptable outcomes. This study was conducted to evaluate the surgical techniques for CEGSMT management. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted involving all the CEGSMT patients who were treated with T-LIGS in the General Surgery Department of Guangdong General Hospital from August 2014 to June 2016. Results: There were 12 patients successfully treated with T-LIGS. The surgical time ranged from 56 to 108 minutes, and the blood loss was 5-70 mL. The distance to the tumor from the dentate line was 12-24 mm, and the tumor diameter was 17-28 mm. The tumor margins were 9-15 mm, and the eating time was 2-4 days. The drainage tube indwelling time was 2-4 days, and the discharge time was 4-6 days. The follow-up exams revealed no recurrences, dysphagia, acid reflux, or other digestive symptoms. Conclusions: It is safe and feasible to perform T-LIGS using conventional laparoscopic instruments to treat CEGSMTs. We suggest that T-LIGS can be performed for endogenous mucosal tumors within 3 cm from the cardiac dentate line and less than 3 cm in size.