ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the surgical outcomes between laparoscopic and open wedge resection for gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 18 cases undergoing laparoscopic wedge resection from June 2000 to August 2009 at the Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were compared with 30 patients treated by open surgery. The perioperative parameters and prognosis data of the two groups were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to the open group, laparoscopic group was found with longer operative time, less blood loss, less requirement of postoperative analgesia, earlier resumption of oral intake, earlier return of first flatus, and shorter postoperative hospital stay(all P<0.05). There were no postoperative deaths in both groups. Postoperative complication rate was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group(5.5% vs. 33.3%, P<0.05). The postoperative recurrence rates were 11.8%(2/17) and 10.7%(3/28); the 5-year survival rates were 78% and 63%, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Laparoscopic wedge resection is a feasible treatment option for GISTs of the stomach.</p>