Current Status of Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection for Gastric Subepithelial Tumors: A Literature Review Over Two Decades

Background: With the development of endoscopic technology and devices, endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) has been challengingly introduced for gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs). The resection and closure strategies are under investigation. This systematic review was performed to assess the current status and limitations of EFTR for gastric SETs. Summary: MEDLINE was searched using the keywords "endoscopic full-thickness resection" or "gastric endoscopic full-thickness closure" AND "gastric" or "stomach" from January 2001 to July 2022. The outcome variables were the complete resection rate, major adverse event (AE) rate including delayed bleeding and delayed perforation, and closure-associated outcomes. Among 288 studies, 27 eligible studies involving 1,234 patients were included in this review. The complete resection rate was 99.7% (1,231/1,234). The major AE rate was 1.13% (14/1,234), with delayed bleeding in two (0.16%) patients, delayed perforation in one (0.08%), panperitonitis or abdominal abscess in three (0.24%), and other AEs in eight (0.64%). Surgical interventions were required intraoperatively or postoperatively in 7 patients (0.56%). Three patients underwent intraoperative conversion to surgery, due to intraoperative massive bleeding, technical difficulty of closure, and retrieval of falling tumor in the peritoneal cavity. Postoperative surgical rescues for AEs were required in four (0.32%). Subgroup analysis of AE outcomes showed no significant differences among closure techniques consisting of endoclips, purse-string suturing, and over-the-scope clips. Key Messages: This systematic review demonstrated acceptable outcomes of EFTR and closure for gastric SETs, indicating that EFTR is a promising forthcoming procedure.