Laparoscopic resection for gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach.

BACKGROUND: We reviewed our experience with primary gastrointestinal tumors (GISTs) after surgical treatment.

METHODS: Between 1998 and 2003, 56 patients who underwent surgical treatment for primary GIST of the stomach were enrolled in this study. Statistical analyses of the risk factors for recurrence were assessed.

RESULTS: The proportion of cases undergoing laparoscopic surgery was 25 of 56 (44%) in these retrospective data. The site of recurrence was only the liver in all cases. These recurrent cases were defined as high-risk category. Tumors measuring over 2 cm in size tended to recur earlier, namely within 32 months. A statistical analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between the disease progression and the pathological phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study has shown that an initial laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs is feasible even when the tumor size is relatively small (2-5 cm). The pathological phenotype (especially tumor mitosis) directly correlates to the patient's survival even if the resected tumor size was relatively small.