Submucosal 1-tunnel endoscopic resection for treating upper gastrointestinal multiple submucosal tumor originating from the muscularis propria layer: A report of 12 cases

To explore the feasibility and efficacy of submucosal 1-tunnel endoscopic resection (1-tunnel STER) for the treatment of multiple upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors (GI-SMTs) originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer. A total of 12 patients with multiple upper GI-SMTs (no less than 2 SMTs) who underwent 1-tunnel STER from April 2013 to October 2017 were included. Clinical data on general characteristics, operation-related parameters, adverse events, and follow-up results were recorded and analyzed. All 12 patients underwent 1-tunnel STER successfully, and the mean operation time was 92.1 ± 40.8 minutes. A total of 30 SMTs were resected, out of which 27 were in the esophagus and 3 were in the stomach. The mean diameter was 15.0 ± 8.2 mm (range, 3–38 mm). All the SMTs were resected en bloc uneventfully. The SMTs comprised 28 leiomyomas and 2 gastric stromal tumors (low risk). No recurrence was noticed during a mean follow-up of 24.9 ± 15.3 months (range, 1–52 months). One-tunnel STER may serve as a feasible and effective technique for the treatment of multiple upper GI-SMTs originating from the MP layer. A large-scale prospective study is warranted for a confirmative conclusion.