Is laparoscopic approach as treatment of large gastric GIST acceptable?

With laparoscopic surgery considered a controversial approach for larger gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) measuring over 5 cm, researchers compared short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic resection in comparison with open resection these tumors. Of the 108 patients included in the study, 59 had minimally invasive surgery and 49 had open surgery. The rate of overall postoperative morbidity was 14.8% and the median length was significantly shorter in the MI group. Laparoscopic surgery could be a safe and viable alternative to open surgery in large gastric GISTs, bringing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery without compromising oncologic results.