Double-nylon purse-string suture in closing postoperative wounds following endoscopic resection of large(≥3 cm)gastric submucosal tumors

BACKGROUND Endoscopic full-thickness resection(EFTR)of gastric submucosal tumors(SMTs)is safe and effective;however,postoperative wound management is equally important.Literature on suturing following EFTR for large(≥3 cm)SMTs is scarce and limited.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and clinical value of double-nylon purse-string suture in closing postoperative wounds following EFTR of large(≥3 cm)SMTs.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of 85 patients with gastric SMTs in the fundus of the stomach or in the lesser curvature of the gastric body whose wounds were treated with double-nylon purse-string sutures after successful tumor resection at the Endoscopy Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University.The operative,postoperative,and follow-up conditions of the patients were evaluated.RESULTS All tumors were completely resected using EFTR.36(42.35%)patients had tumors located in the fundus of the stomach,and 49(57.65%)had tumors located in the body of the stomach.All patients underwent suturing with double-nylon sutures after EFTR without laparoscopic assistance or further surgical treatment.Postoperative fever and stomach pain were reported in 13(15.29%)and 14(16.47%)patients,respectively.No serious adverse events occurred during the intraoperative or postoperative periods.A postoperative review of all patients revealed no residual or recurrent lesions.CONCLUSION Double-nylon purse-string sutures can be used to successfully close wounds that cannot be completely closed with a single nylon suture,especially for large(≥3 cm)EFTR wounds in SMTs.

Classification of submucosal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract

This review is part two of three, which will present an update on the classification of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors. Part one treats of the diagnosis and part three of the therapeutic methods regarding gastrointestinal submucosal tumors. In the past there has been some confusion as to the classification of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors. Changes in classifications have emerged due to recent advances in mainly immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. The aim of this paper is to update the reader on the current classification. Literature searches were performed to find information related to classification of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors. Based on these searches the twelve most frequent submucosal tumor types were chosen for description of their classification. The factors that indicate whether tumors are benign or malignant are mainly size and number of mitotic counts. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are defined mainly by their CD117 positivity. In the future, there should be no more confusion between gastrointestinal stromal tumors and other types of submucosal tumors.

Clinical implications of doubling time of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors

AIM To evaluate the efficacy of doubling time(DT) of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors(GIST).METHODS From April 1987 through November 2012, a total of 323 patients were given a final histopathological diagnosis of GISTs on surgical resection or endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) in Kitasato University East Hospital or Kitasato University Hospital. We studied 53 of these patients(34 with resected tumors and 19 with unresected tumors) whose tumors could be measured on EUS on at least two successive occasions. The histopathological diagnosis was GIST in 34 patients, leiomyoma in 5, schwannoma in 3, ectopic pancreas in 1, hamartoma in 1, cyst in 1, Brunner's adenoma in 1, and spindle-cell tumor in 7. We retrospectively calculated the DT of GISTs on the basis of the time course of EUS findings to estimate the growth rate of such tumors.RESULTS The DT was 17.2 mo for GIST, as compared with 231.2 mo for leiomyoma, 104.7 mo for schwannoma, 274.9mo for ectopic pancreas, 61.2 mo for hamartoma, 49.0 mo for cyst, and 134.7 mo for Brunner's adenoma. The GISTs were divided into risk classes on the basis of tumor diameters and mitotic figures(Fletcher's classification). The classification was extremely low risk or low risk in 28 patients, intermediate risk in 3, and high risk in 3. DT of GIST according to risk was 24.0 mo for extremely low-risk plus low-risk GIST, 17.1 mo for intermediate-risk GIST, and 3.9 mo for high-risk GIST. DT of GIST was significantly shorter than that of leiomyoma plus schwannoma(P < 0.05), and DT of high-risk GIST was significantly shorter than that of extremely low-risk plus low-risk GIST(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION For GIST, a higher risk grade was associated with a significantly shorter DT. Small SMTs should initially be followed up within 6 mo after detection.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection for gastric submucosal tumors arising from the muscularis propria layer

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and feasibility of endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR) for the treatment of gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) arising from the muscularis propria.

Endosonographic surveillance of 1-3 cm gastric submucosal tumors originating from muscularis propria

AIM To observe the natural course of 1-3 cm gastric submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria(SMTMPs).METHODS By reviewing the computerized medical records over a period of 14 years(2000-2013), patients with 1-3 cm gastric SMTMPs who underwent at least two endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) examinations were enrolled. Tumor progression was defined as a ≥ 1.2 times enlargement in tumor diameter observed during EUS surveillance. All patients were divided into stationary and progressive subgroups and further analyzed. We also reviewed the patients in the progressive subgroup again in 2016.RESULTS A total of 88 patients were studied, including 25 in the progressive subgroup. The mean time of EUS surveillance was 24.6 mo in the stationary subgroup and 30.7 mo in the progressive subgroup. Risk factors for tumor progression included larger tumor size and irregular border. Initial tumor size > 14.0 mm may be considered a cut-off size for predicting tumor progression. Seventeen patients underwent surgery, of whom 13 had gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) and 4 had leiomyomas. Tumor progression was found only in patients with GISTs. All of the tumors exhibited benign behaviors without metastasis until 2016.CONCLUSION Most 1-3 cm gastric SMTMPs(71.6%) are indolent. Tumor progression was found only in GISTs, and it is a good predictor for differentiating GISTs from leiomyomas. Predictors of tumor progression include larger tumor size(> 14.0 mm) and irregular border.

Therapeutic procedures for submucosal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract

This review is part three of three and will present an update on the therapeutic options and procedures concerning gastrointestinal (GI) submucosal tumors (SMTs). The aim of this paper is to investigate the treatments of GI SMTs and to present a case of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Literature searches were performed to find information on therapy for GI SMTs. Based on these searches, the optimal therapeutic procedures could be outlined. The choice of treatment of localized tumors is endoscopic resection if possible or, alternatively, laparoscopic resection or surgical resection by an open procedure. However, benign SMTs should only be excised if symptoms are present, and GISTs should be treated with particular precautions. Irresectable or recurrent GISTs may be successfully treated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for small submucosal tumors of the rectum compared with endoscopic submucosal resection with a ligation device

AIMTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for small rectal submucosal tumors (SMTs). METHODSBetween August 2008 and March 2016, 39 patients were treated with endoscopic submucosal resection with a ligation device (ESMR-L) (n = 21) or ESD (n = 18) for small rectal SMTs in this study. Twenty-five lesions were confirmed by histological evaluation of endoscopic biopsy prior to the procedure, and 14 lesions were not evaluated by endoscopic biopsy. The results for the ESMR-L group and the ESD group were retrospectively compared, including baseline characteristics and therapeutic outcomes. RESULTSThe rate of en bloc resection was 100% in both groups. Although the rate of complete endoscopic resection was higher in the ESD group than in the ESMR-L group (100% vs 95.2%), there were no significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.462). In one patient in the ESMR-L group with a previously biopsied tumor, histological complete resection with a vertical margin involvement of carcinoid tumor could not be achieved, whereas there was no incomplete resection in the ESD group. The mean length of the procedure was significantly greater in the ESD group than in the ESMR-L group (14.7 ± 6.4 min vs 5.4 ± 1.7 min, P vs 2.8 ± 1.5 d, P CONCLUSIONBoth ESMR-L and ESD were effective for treatment of small rectal SMTs. ESMR-L was simpler to perform than ESD and took less time.

Endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors: A comparative study of hook knife vs hybrid knife

AIM to compare the efficacy and safety of a hook knife(HO) with a hybrid knife(HK) during endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection(EStD) procedure.METHODS Between August 2012 and December 2015, the ESt D procedure was performed for 83 upper GI submucosal lesions, which originated from the muscularis propria layer identified by upper endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography. Of these, 34 lesions were treated by a HO, whereas 49 lesions were treated by a HK. Data regarding age, gender, presenting symptoms, tumor location and size, procedure time, complications, en bloc resection rate and others were analyzed and compared between the two groups.RESULTS there were no significant differences in the age, gender, presenting symptoms and tumor location between the two groups. EStD was successfully completed in all the patients, and no case was converted to laparoscopy. the mean procedure time was significantly shorter in the HK group than in the HO group(41.3 ± 20.3 min vs 57.2 ± 28.0 min, p = 0.004). the mean frequency of device exchange was 1.4 ± 0.6 in the HK group and significantly less than 3.3 ± 0.6 in the HO group(p < 0.001). the differences in tumor size and histopathological diagnoses were not significant between the two groups(p = 0.813, p = 0.363, respectively). Both groups had an equal en bloc resection rate and complete resection rate. Additionally, the complication rate was similar between the two groups(p = 0.901). During the follow-up, no recurrence occurred in either group.CONCLUSION We demonstrate for the first time that HO and HK do not differ in efficacy or safety, but HK reduces the frequency of device exchange and procedure time.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided cutting of holes and deep biopsy for diagnosis of gastric infiltrative tumors and gastrointestinal submucosal tumors using a novel vertical diathermic loop

AIM To report on a more accurate diagnostic possibility offered by endoscopic ultrasound-guided cutting of holes and deep biopsy (EUS-CHDB) for pathologic diagnosis of gastric infiltrative tumors and gastrointestinal submucosal tumors. METHODS Ten consecutive patients who were suspected of having gastric invasive tumors or gastrointestinal submucosal tumors underwent EUS-CHDB with a novel vertical diathermic loop. We reviewed their medical data and analysed the effectiveness and safety of this new method. The final diagnosis was based on the surgical pathology or clinical/imaging follow-up. RESULTS EUS-CHDB was performed successfully in all the ten patients. Neither severe haemorrhage nor perforation occurred in any patient. Among the ten patients, there were three cases of gastric linitis plastica, one case of gastric lymphoma, five cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and only one case of chronic non-atrophic gastritis. That is, nine (90%) of the cases CONCLUSION EUS-CHDB may be a technically feasible and safe option for patients with gastric infiltrative tumors or gastrointestinal submucosal tumors. EUS-CHDB may be used as a remedial or even preferred biopsy method for submucosal lesions.

Diagnostic procedures for submucosal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract

This review is part one of three, which will present an update on diagnostic procedures for gastrointestinal (GI) submucosal tumors (SMTs). Part two identifies the classification and part three the therapeutic methods regarding GI SMTs. Submucosal tumors are typically asymptomatic and therefore encountered incidentally. Advances in diagnostic tools for gastrointestinal submucosal tumors have emerged over the past decade. The aim of this paper is to provide the readers with guidelines for the use of diagnostic procedures, when a submucosal tumor is suspected. Literature searches were performed to find information on diagnostics for gastrointestinal submucosal tumors. Based on the searches, the optimal diagnostic procedures and specific features of the submucosal tumors could be outlined. Standard endoscppy, capsule endoscopy and push-and-pull enteroscopy (PPE) together with barium contrast X-ray do not alone provide sufficient information, when examining submucosal tumors. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorodeoxyglucose-labeled positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) are recommended as supplementary tools.

Enlarged accessory spleen presenting stomach submucosal tumor

A 62-year-old man presented with upper abdominal discomfort underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Gastroscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a submucosal tumor (SMT) with homogenous echogenicity originated from extragastric organs. An abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed that the well-marginated ovoid mass, approximately 6 cm in diameter, enhanced homogenously to a similar degree as splenic parenchyma. 99mTechnetium sulfur colloid scintigraphy revealed the splenic nature of the mass. A diagnosis of accessory spleen mimicking gastric SMT was made. Subsequent follow-up was uneventful without performing splenectomy.

Application of blunt dissection in ESD of a gastric submucosal tumor

We performed endoscopic submucosal dissection of a gastric fundus tumor.It was difficult to strip the tumor completely due to space limitation,and we used blunt dissection to remove the tumor quickly and safely.Firstly,the basal area of the 2.5 cm submucosal tumor located in the gastric fundus was cut open,and the mucosa was dissected.The tumor was difficult to peel,therefore,a snare was used and the tumor was pulled and tightened slightly.Short electronic coagulation was used during the procedure.The tumor was then bluntly dissected.This method ensured rapid and complete removal of the tumor.

Oval mucosal opening bloc biopsy after incision and widening by ring thread traction for submucosal tumor

Gastric submucosal tumors(SMTs) less than 2 cm are generally considered benign neoplasms, and endoscopic observation is recommended, but SMTs over 2 cm, 40% of which are gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs), have malignant potential. Although the Japanese Guidelines for GIST recommend partial surgical resection for GIST over 2 cm with malignant potential as well as en bloc large tissue sample to obtain appropriate and large specimens of SMTs, several reports have been published on tissue sampling of SMTs, such as with endoscopic ultrasound sound fine needle aspiration, submucosal tunneling bloc biopsy, and the combination of bite biopsy and endoscopic mucosal resection. Because a simpler, more accurate method is needed for appropriate treatment, we developed oval mucosal opening bloc biopsy after incision and widening by ring thread traction for submucosal tumor(OMOB) approach. OMOB was simple and enabled us to obtain large samples under direct procedure view as well as allowed us to restore to original mucosa.

Gastric pyloric gland adenoma resembling a submucosal tumor:A case report

BACKGROUND Pyloric gland adenoma(PGA)is a recently described and rare tumor.Submucosal tumor(SMT)-like PGA is more difficult to diagnose and differentiate from other submucosal lesions.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 69-year-old man with a 10 mm SMT-like elevated lesion with an opening in the upper part of the gastric body,referred to our hospital for further endoscopic treatment.Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging,endoscopic ultrasonography,and complete endoscopic submucosal dissection were performed on the patient.Histopathological findings revealed tightly packed tubular glands lined with cuboidal or columnar cells that had round-tooval nuclei containing occasional prominent nucleoli and an eosinophilic cytoplasm similar to that in non-neoplastic gastric pyloric glands.Additionally,immunohistochemical analysis showed positive staining for both mucin 5AC and mucin 6.Therefore,we arrived at the final diagnosis of gastric PGA.Although there was no apparent malignant component in this tumor,PGA has been considered a precancerous disease with a high risk of transformation into adenocarcinoma.CONCLUSION PGA should be considered when detecting gastric SMT-like lesions.Physicians and pathologists should focus on PGA due to its malignant potential.

Predictors of difficult endoscopic resection of submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer at the esophagogastric junction

BACKGROUND Endoscopic resection approaches,including endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection(STER)and endoscopic fullthickness resection(EFTR),have been widely used for the treatment of submucosal tumors(SMTs)located in the upper gastrointestinal tract.However,compared to SMTs located in the esophagus or stomach,endoscopic resection of SMTs from the esophagogastric junction(EGJ)is much more difficult because of the sharp angle and narrow lumen of the EGJ.SMTs originating from the muscularis propria(MP)in the EGJ,especially those that grow extraluminally and adhere closely to the serosa,make endoscopic resection even more difficult.AIM To investigate the predictors of difficult endoscopic resection for SMTs from the MP layer at the EGJ.METHODS A total of 90 patients with SMTs from the MP layer at the EGJ were included in the present study.The difficulty of endoscopic resection was defined as a long procedure time,failure of en bloc resection and intraoperative bleeding.Clinicopathological,endoscopic and follow-up data were collected and analyzed.Statistical analysis of independent risks for piecemeal resection,long operative time,and intraoperative bleeding were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.RESULTS According to the location and growth pattern of the tumor,44 patients underwent STER,14 patients underwent EFTR,and the remaining 32 patients received a standard ESD procedure.The tumor size was 20.0 mm(range 5.0–100.0 mm).Fourty-seven out of 90 lesions(52.2%)were regularly shaped.The overall en bloc resection rate was 84.4%.The operation time was 43 min(range 16–126 min).The intraoperative bleeding rate was 18.9%.There were no adverse events that required therapeutic intervention during or after the procedures.The surgical approach had no significant correlation with en bloc resection,long operative time or intraoperative bleeding.Large tumor size(≥30 mm)and irregular tumor shape were independent predictors for piecemeal resection(OR:7.346,P=0.032 and OR:18.004,P=0.029,respectively),long operative time(≥60 min)(OR:47.330,P=0.000 and OR:6.863,P=0.034,respectively)and intraoperative bleeding(OR:20.631,P=0.002 and OR:19.020,P=0.021,respectively).CONCLUSION Endoscopic resection is an effective treatment for SMTs in the MP layer at the EGJ.Tumors with large size and irregular shape were independent predictors for difficult endoscopic resection.

Hepatic cyst misdiagnosed as a gastric submucosal tumor:A case report

We describe here a case of 51-year-old woman with a symptomatic hepatic cyst that was misdiagnosed as a gastric submucosal tumor (SMT) with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and CT scan. The patient presented with an epigastric pain for two months. On endoscopy, a submucosal tumor was found on the cardia of the stomach. Based on EUS and abdominal CT scan, the lesion was diagnosed as a gastric duplication cyst or a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The operative plan was laparoscopic wedge resection for the GIST of the gastric cardia. A cystic mass arising from the left lateral segment of the liver was found at the laparoscopic examination. There was no abnormal finding at the gastric cardia. She was treated by laparoscopic hepatic wedge resection including the hepatic cyst using an endoscopic linear stapler.

Early gastric cancer presenting as a typical submucosal tumor cured by endoscopic submucosal dissection:A case report

BACKGROUND Submucosal tumor(SMT)-like gastric cancer is rare,and almost all cases undergo curative surgical treatment because the submucosal layer is usually deeply invaded by tumor cells or because histopathologic types of SMT-like gastric cancer are undifferentiated or poorly differentiated.No report has been issued on an SMT-like gastric cancer cured by endoscopic resection alone or on changes in the endoscopic features of this type of tumor over several years.CASE SUMMARY We describe an exceptional case of a 53-year-old male with a 1.5 cm-sized SMTlike lesion covered by normal-appearing mucosa discovered by esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)at the gastric antrum.Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)visualized a homogeneous,well-circumscribed hypoechogenic lesion arising from the second sonographic layer with associated subtle obliteration of the third sonographic layer.Initial endoscopic biopsy was negative for neoplasm.The patient refused to undergo an invasive procedure and was subsequently lost to follow-up.Three years after initial detection,EGD revealed the lesion had become markedly erythematous,and at 4 years after initial EGD it had increased in size to 1.8 cm and developed a central ulcer and a heterogeneous EUS echo.Finally,endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)was performed,and histopathologic examination revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma had minutely invaded the submucosal layer(invasion depth 169μm)but without lymphovascular invasion and with negative resection margins.Fortunately,no additional surgical treatment was required.He has been followed for 4 years after ESD without any evidence of local or distant recurrence.CONCLUSION This report describes an extremely rare case of early gastric cancer presenting as SMT that was cured by ESD after a treatment delay of 4 years and the endoscopic changes that occurred during this period.The report highlights the importance of considering the possibility of gastric cancer when SMT is encountered in clinical practice.

Exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection for duodenal submucosal tumors: Current status and future perspectives

Exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection(EFTR),with or without laparoscopic assistance,is an emergent natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery technique with promising safety and efficacy for the management of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors(SMTs)arising from the muscularis propria(MP),especially of the gastric wall.To date,evidence concerning duodenal exposed EFTR is lacking,mainly due to both the technical difficulty involved because of the special duodenal anatomy and concerns about safety and effectiveness of transmural wall defect closure.However,given the non-negligible morbidity and mortality associated with duodenal surgery,the recent availability of dedicated endoscopic tools for tissue-approximation capable to realize full-thickness defect closure could help in promoting the adoption of this endosurgical technique among referral centers.The aim of our study was to review the current evidence concerning exposed EFTR with or without laparoscopic assistance for the treatment of MP-arising duodenal SMTs.

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection: An effective and safe therapy for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer

AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection(STER) and compare its outcomes in esophageal and cardial submucosal tumors(SMTs) of the muscularis propria(MP) layer.METHODS From May 2012 to November 2017, 173 consecutive patients with upper gastrointestinal(GI) SMTs of the MP layer underwent STER. Overall, 165 patients were included, and 8 were excluded. The baseline characteristics of the patients and SMTs were recorded. The en bloc resection rate, complete resection rate,residual rate, and recurrence rate were calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of STER, and the complication rate was recorded to evaluate its safety. Effectiveness and safety outcomes were compared between esophageal and cardial SMTs.RESULTS One hundred and twelve men and 53 women with a mean age of 46.9 ± 10.8 years were included. The mean tumor size was 22.6 ± 13.6 mm. Eleven SMTs were located in the upper esophagus(6.7%), 49 in the middle esophagus(29.7%), 46 in the lower esophagus(27.9%), and 59 in the cardia(35.7%). Irregular lesions accounted for 48.5% of all lesions. STER achieved an en bloc resection rate of78.7%(128/165) for GI SMTs with an overall complication rate of 21.2%(35/165).All complications resolved without intervention or were treated conservatively without the need for surgery. The en bloc resection rates of esophageal and cardial SMTs were 81.1%(86/106) and 72.1%(42/59), respectively(P = 0.142), and the complication rates were 19.8%(21/106) and 23.7%(14/59), respectively,(P =0.555). The most common complications for esophageal SMTs were gas-related complications and fever, while mucosal injury was the most common for cardial SMTs.CONCLUSION STER is an effective and safe therapy for GI SMTs of the MP layer. Its effectiveness and safety are comparable between SMTs of the esophagus and cardia.

Laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery for gastric submucosal tumors

AIM:To assess the feasibility,safety,and advantages of minimally invasive laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery(LECS)for gastric submucosal tumors(SMT).METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed 101 consecutive patients,who had undergone partial,proximal,or distal gastrectomy using LECS for gastric SMT at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June 2006to April 2013.All patients were followed up by visit or telephone.Clinical data,surgical approach,pathological features such as the size,location,and pathological type of each tumor;and follow-up results were analyzed.The feasibility,safety and effectiveness of LECS for gastric SMT were evaluated,especially for patients with tumors located near the cardia or pylorus.RESULTS:The 101 patients included 43(42.6%)menand 58(57.4%)women,with mean age of 51.2±13.1 years(range,14-76 years).The most common symptom was belching.Almost all(n=97)patients underwent surgery with preservation of the cardia and pylorus,with the other four patients undergoing proximal or distal gastrectomy.The mean distance from the lesion to the cardia or pylorus was 3.4±1.3 cm,and the minimum distance from the tumor edge to the cardia was 1.5 cm.Tumor pathology included gastrointestinal stromal tumor in 78 patients,leiomyoma in 13,carcinoid tumors in three,ectopic pancreas in three,lipoma in two,glomus tumor in one,and inflammatory pseudotumor in one.Tumor size ranged from 1 to8.2 cm,with 65(64.4%)lesions<2 cm,32(31.7%)>2 cm,and four>5 cm.Sixty-six lesions(65.3%)were located in the fundus,21(20.8%)in the body,10(9.9%)in the antrum,three(3.0%)in the cardia,and one(1.0%)in the pylorus.During a median follow-up of 28 mo(range,1-69 mo),none of these patients experienced recurrence or metastasis.The three patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy experienced symptoms of regurgitation and belching.CONCLUSION:Laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery is feasible and safe for patients with gastric submucosal tumor.Endoscopic intraoperative localization and support can help preserve the cardia and pylorus during surgery.