Image-based Approach for Surgical Resection of Gastric Submucosal Tumors

Purpose: This study was done to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative computed tomography (CT) and intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound to facilitate treatment of gastric submucosal tumors. Materials and Methods: The feasibility of laparoscopic wedge resection as determined by CT findings of tumor size, location, and growth pattern was correlated with surgical findings in 89 consecutive operations. The role of laparoscopic ultrasound for tumor localization was analyzed. Results: Twenty-three patients were considered unsuitable for laparoscopic wedge resection because of large tumor size (N=13) or involvement of the gastroesophageal junction (N=9) or pyloric channel (N=1). Laparoscopic wedge resection was not attempted in 11 of these patients because of large tumor size. Laparoscopic wedge resection was successfully performed in 65 of 66 (98.5%) patients considered suitable for this procedure. Incorrect interpretation of preoperative CT resulted in a change of surgery type in seven patients (7.9%): incorrect CT diagnosis on gastroesophageal junction involvement (N=6) and on growth pattern (N=1). In 18 patients without an exophytic growth pattern, laparoscopic ultrasound was necessary and successfully localized all lesions. Conclusions: Preoperative CT and laparoscopic ultrasound are useful for surgical planning and tumor localization in laparoscopic wedge resection.