Endoscopic treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumor: Advantages and hurdles

Core Tip

Core tip: Several endoscopic approaches have recently been investigated for removing gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Endoscopic enucleation has several advantages. However, there is the possibility of peritoneal seeding when accidental perforation occurs. Furthermore, the rate of R0 resection is not yet acceptable. While endoscopic full-thickness resection has a more solid theoretical basis than endoscopic enucleation in terms of R0 resection, the possibility of tumor cell shedding into the peritoneum would increase when capsule injury results from the procedure. Compared with endoscopy only procedures, laparoscopy endoscopy cooperative surgery and LAFTR provide a higher complete resection rate and a more stable process, which are accordant with the purpose of minimally destructive surgeries.