Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
Laparoscopy-endoscopy Cooperative Surgery for the Treatment of Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Published on: February 19, 2022
Laparoendoscopic transgastric resection of a submucosal mass at the gastroesophageal junction
Neil D Ghushe1, Parambir S Dulai, Thadeus L Trus
1Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. nghushe@partners.org
Introduction:
Traditional management of gastric submucosal lesions usually involves wedge resection. However, lesions close to the gastroesophageal junction are difficult to manage with wedge resection without compromising the lower esophageal sphincter. This video highlights an interesting combined laparoscopic and endoscopic technique for safe resection of a submucosal lesion adjacent to the gastroesophageal junction.
Methods:
A 66-year-old male was evaluated by gastroenterology for melena. Upper endoscopy with subsequent endoscopic ultrasound demonstrated a 2-cm submucosal lesion adjacent to the gastroesophageal junction. Biopsies were indeterminate, and the remainder of his workup was negative. A combined laparoendoscopic technique was utilized to safely resect the lesion while protecting the gastroesophageal junction. This was accomplished using three 5-mm trocars placed directly through the abdominal wall into the stomach using endoscopic guidance. All muscle layers were resected en bloc with the specimen, leaving the serosa intact.
Results:
The patient did well and was discharged home on postoperative day 1. Final pathology demonstrated a leiomyoma with negative margins.
Conclusion:
Submucosal lesions adjacent to the gastroesophageal junction can be safely and effectively managed using a laparoendoscopic approach. This technique provides improved visualization and facilitates an adequate resection compared to endoscopy or laparoscopy alone.
