Endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of large gastric submucosal tumors originating from themuscularis propria layer: a single center study

Background and Aims: This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the resection of gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer at our institution. Patients and Methods: From January 2010 to January 2014, a total of 49 patients underwent ESD for the resection of MP-originating gastric SMTs. The characteristics of the 49 patients, clinical efficacy, safety of ESD, and post-ESD pathological diagnoses were evaluated retrospectively. Results: ESD was successfully performed in 48 cases, and one case was converted to surgery. Pathological diagnosis included 43 gastrointestinal stromal tumors, 5 leiomyomas, and 1 schwannoma. During the procedure, 9 patients developed perforation. These patients recovered after conservative treatment. No residual or recurrent tumors were detected during the follow-up period. Conclusions: ESD seems to be a feasible, safe, effective and minimally invasive procedure, even for the resection of large gastric tumors originating from the MP. However, more studies should be carried out in the future.