Abstract:
Background Currently, surgical resection is recommended as the first choice for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) larger than 2 cm. Endoscopic treatment may be considered for gastric GISTs smaller than 2 cm. However, for gastric GISTs with a diameter of 2-5 cm, there remains significant debate between surgeons and endoscopists regarding the safety and efficacy of endoscopic resection.
Objective To compare the efficacy and prognosis of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and laparoscopic surgery for patients with 2-5 cm gastric GISTs.
Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted for clinical data from patients with GISTs treated at the Department of Gastroenterology and General Surgery of the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2017 to June 2022. Patients were divided into endoscopy group and laparoscopy group based on the surgical approach. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match baseline data 1:1 between the two groups, followed by comparisons of outcomes, perioperative indicators and prognosis were evaluated.
Results A total of 145 patients were included in this study, with 47 in the endoscopy group and 98 in the laparoscopy group. After PSM, there were 41 patients in each group, with equal gender distribution: 19 males and 22 females. The average age was 52.7 ± 9.9 years in the endoscopy group and 54.5 ± 10.9 years in the laparoscopy group. Complete tumor resection was achieved in both groups, with no intraoperative tumor rupture or serious complications. The endoscopy group showed advantages in operation time Md(IQR): 71.5(50 - 90) min vs 85 (60 - 120) min, P=0.011, intraoperative blood loss Md(IQR): 4(2 - 5)mL vs 20 (10 - 50) mL, P=0.011 and hospitalization cost Md(IQR): 3.5(2.8 - 4.0) ten thousand yuan vs 4.3 (3.5 - 5.7) ten thousand yuan, P=0.006.compared to the laparoscopy group. However, the endoscopy group had a longer time to resume diet Md(IQR): 4(3 - 5) d vs 3(3 - 5) d, P=0.038, with statistically significant differences.
Conclusion Endoscopic treatment of 2-5 cm gastric GISTs is comparable to surgical treatment in terms of safety and efficacy, with advantages such as shorter operation time, less bleeding, lower hospitalization costs, and preservation of normal gastric structure and function.