Background: Laparoscopic resection (LR) is increasingly performed for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The aim of this study is to investigate the short-term outcomes and therapeutic effects of LR compared to Open Resection (OR) for gastric GISTs.
Methods: All 12 patients undergoing surgery (LR vs. OR) for gastric GISTs during 2012-2021 in a single center, were analyzed retrospectively. All outcomes were compared between the two groups.
Results: No statistical significant differences were observed between the two groups (LR vs. OR) as far as operative time (143 vs. 144.5 minutes, P=0.81 NS) blood loss (70 vs. 125 mL, P=0.2 NS), early postoperative complications (2 vs. 1, Fisher 1 P=NS), length of hospital stay (8.5 vs. 14.2 days, P=0.17 NS).
Conclusions: LR for GISTs is safe and effective. The only limiting factor for the widespread application of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is surgeon expertise in challenging cases.