Open submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for special submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria
Abstract Background and Purpose Esophageal submucosal tumors (SMTs) are primarily benign but can have the potential for malignancy. Surgery is the primary treatment; however, the development of endoscopic techniques has promoted the use of endoscopic resection for esophageal SMTs. Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) is the current optimal treatment for esophageal SMTs; however, it is challenging to perform in cases of tumors located in the upper esophagus and cardia as well as those with a diameter > 3.5 cm. Based on STER, we proposed and used open STER (O-STER) for special esophageal SMTs. The study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of O-STER for special esophageal SMTs, including those located in the upper esophagus and cardia and those with a diameter > 3.5 cm. Methods The study enrolled 21 patients whose baseline characteristics, clinical data, and follow-up results were retrospectively analyzed. Results A total of 21 lesions were resected. The mean patient age was 44.2 ± 14.4 years. The mean tumor size was 38.2 ± 12.2 mm; 16 (76.2%) tumors had a diameter ≥ 3.5 cm. Tumors were in the cardia in 14 (66.7%) cases and in the upper esophagus in 2 (9.5%) cases. The mean operation time was 56.7 ± 19.3 minutes. The en bloc and complete resection rates were both 100%. There was 1 (4.8%) case of subcutaneous emphysema; no other serious complications were noted. Pathological examinations suggested that most tumors were leiomyomas and had negative margins. During the mean follow-up period of 26.7 months, no cases of residue, recurrence, or metastasis were observed. Conclusions O-STER is a safe and effective treatment for special esophageal SMTs that can reduce operative difficulty and complication rate.