Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors originating from muscularis propria layer / 中华消化内镜杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) for upper gastrointestinal (GI) submucosal tumors (SMTs) originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer.MethodsA total of 26 upper GI-SMTs originating from the MP layer were treated by STER after endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and CT examination.The lesions were localized endoscopically and a submucosal tunnel was created to expose the tumor.The lesion was then resected under direct endoscopic view and the mucosal incision site was closed with hemostatic clips.ResultsOf the 26 SMTs,14 were located at esophagus,7 at cardia and 5 at stomach,with 11 originated from superficial MP layer and 15 from deep MP layer ( including 2 gastric SMTs adherent with serosa).All lesions were successfully resected by STER with an en bloc resection rate of 100％.The average operation time was 68.5 min ( range 25-145min).Four to six (mean five) hemostatic clips were used to close the mucosal incision site.The average lesion size was 1.8 cm ( range 1.0-3.2 cm).The pathology results were 17 leiomyomas,7 stromal tumors (GISTs),1 glomus tumor and 1 Schwannoma.All resected lesions showed both lateral and vertical tumorfree margins.Subcutaneous emphysema occurred in 2 patients (7.7％ ).One patient (3.8％ ) developed left pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema,and 2 others (7.7％) pneumoperitoneum.All of them recovered uneventfully on conservative treatments.No delayed bleeding,GI tract leakage or secondary peritoneal/thoracial infection occurred.None of the 26 cases developed submucosal hematoma or infection.No tumor residual or recurrence was found during follow-up period (range 3-9 months).ConclusionSTER is a safe,efficacious and feasible new method for providing accurate histopathological evaluations,as well as radical treatments for upper GI-SMTs from the MP layer.It can regain the mucosal integrity of the GI tract,preventing leakage and secondary infection.