ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical value of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) for rectal submucosal tumors (SMT) originating from muscularis propria.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinicopathological data of 8 cases with rectal SMT originating from muscularis propria undergoing STER in our center from March 2011 to March 2013 were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>En bloc STER was performed successfully in all the 8 cases. The tumors location was 5-15 cm from the edge of anus. The resected specimen size ranged from 1.0 to 3.5 cm (average 1.8 cm). The mean procedure time was 51 min (range, 40-70 min). One patient developed mucosa perforation and was repaired with metal clips. One patient developed subcutaneous emphysema in one leg, which was disappeared after two weeks. Postoperative pathological examination revealed schwannoma in 3 cases, leiomyoma in 2 cases, stromal tumor in 1 case, and proliferation of collagen fibers nodular degeneration in 2 cases. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 to 30 months and no residual lesion or recurrence was found.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>STER is a safe and effective method for rectal SMT originating from muscularis propria in our initial experience.</p>