Endoscopic semi-blunt dissection technique is safe and effective for treating gastric submucosal tumors from the muscularis propria

The semi-blunt dissection method is advantageous in endoscopic resections of gastric tumors originating in the muscularis propria. This method reduces damage to the gastric muscularis propria and shortens postoperative hospital stays. In a study of 113 patients, the extent of gastric muscularis propria damage was significantly less in patients who underwent the semi-blunt dissection method versus the conventional method (0.46 ± 0.09 cm vs. 1.06 ± 0.48 cm, p < 0.001). Needle knives are frequently used in endoscopic treatment for gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs).