Chi JL, et al. – This study aimed to compare the long–term oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic versus open resection of GISTs by larger cases based on tumor size–location–matched study. Laparoscopic resection of primary gastric GISTs proved comparable to open procedure regarding the long–term oncologic outcome. However, laparoscopic procedure seemed to have the advantage of minimal invasion and was superior in postoperative recovery.

Methods

• 63 consecutive patients with a primary gastric GIST undergoing laparoscopic resection from 2006 to 2015 were enrolled in this study.
• Patients were matched (1:1) to patients undergoing open resection by tumor size and location.
• Authors collected and compared clinical and pathologic parameters and surgical outcomes associated with each surgical type.

Results

• In laparoscopic group, the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, return of bowel function and oral intake, nasogastric tube retention time and postoperative stay were all shorter/faster than those in open group (P < 0.001). P
• Comparable postoperative complications were observed except for the higher incidence of abdominal/incision pain in open group (9.52 vs 27%, P = 0.01).
• Findings suggested no statistical difference regarding recurrence rate (9.52 vs 15.87%, P = 0.29) and long-term recurrence-free survival between the two groups (P = 0.39).