Laparoscopic wedge resection of a midsized gastrointestinal stromal tumor near the esophagogastric junction.

Summary Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are rare neoplasms involving the entire digestive system, in particular the stomach. Generally, laparoscopic wedge resection is the preferred means of treating anterior lesions, while the preferred means of treating tumors in the posterior wall and near the esophagogastric junction remains controversial. Case Report: We report the case of a patient with a gastric stromal tumor in the posterior wall of the greater curvature approximately 3 cm from the esophagogastric junction. Under intraoperative ultrasonic guidance, a large wedge resection was done using an ultrasonic scalpel; the gastric wall was reconstructed through a long intracorporeal suture. At 6-month follow-up, the patient was free from tumor recurrence. Conclusions: If a meticulous surgical technique is followed, laparoscopic wedge resection is a safe and feasible means of treating gastric stromal tumors in the posterior wall near the esophagogastric junction.