Posterior Wall Gastric Leiomyoma: Endoscopic Tattooing Facilitates Laparoscopic Resection

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the application of tattooing for the intraoperative localization of posterior wall gastric leiomyoma during laparoscopic resection. The preoperative injection of Indian ink in the tumor-bearing area of the posterior gastric wall eliminates the need to perform anterior wall gastrostomy or intraoperative upper endoscopic tumor localization. METHODS: A patient with posterior wall gastric leiomyoma was marked with Indian ink during preoperative upper endoscopy. The dye was visualized intraoperatively facilitating wedge resection of the tumor-bearing area with the Endo GIA. RESULTS: The patient had an uneventful surgery and recovery. Complete excision of the tumor was accomplished. CONCLUSION: The preoperative endoscopic marking of gastric lesions, facilitates the intraoperative localization and resection of these lesions.