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Intragastric single-incision laparoscopic surgery (I-SILS) offers distinct advantages in the treatment of gastroesophageal junction GISTs. First, within the gastric cavity, the magnification effect of the laparoscope allows for precise identification and resection of the tumor under direct vision, maximizing the preservation of normal gastric tissue and the functional integrity of the gastroesophageal junction18. Second, the single-port approach isolates the gastric cavity from the abdominal cavity, effectively preventing tumor seeding within the abdominal cavity19. The specimen is extracted through the single-port device, avoiding the need for additional incisions and the challenges associated with removing large specimens endoscopically20. Additionally, the seamless transition between intragastric and transgastric single-incision laparoscopy facilitates the resolution of challenges within the gastric cavity and allows for abdominal exploration if necessary21. For example, perforation of the stomach during the procedure can be repaired from the outside by rapidly converting to conventional laparoscopic surgery. Postoperative care involves adherence to ERAS protocols, with early mobilization, and patients resuming oral intake on the first postoperative day and typically being discharged within 2-3 days16. Regular follow-up visits are recommended every 3-6 months post-surgery, with CT or endoscopic imaging used to monitor for recurrence. Long-term assessments focus on evaluating reflux, gastric motility, and other functional outcomes.
The choice of incision is crucial in I-SILS. We recommend selecting an upper midline incision above the umbilicus, which avoids excessive traction on the stomach and shortens the distance from the operating port to the gastroesophageal junction, thereby reducing the "sword-dueling" or "scissoring" effect. Before inserting the single-incision port device, the gastric wall incision should be sutured to the abdominal wall skin, isolating the gastric cavity from the abdominal cavity and preventing contamination, particularly from tumor dissemination. This also facilitates the placement and stabilization of the single-port device. However, fixation of the ventral gastrotomy to the abdominal wall can cause contamination of the abdominal incision and tumor seeding; therefore, the abdominal incision should be thoroughly rinsed and disinfected before closure, or an Alexis port can be used in addition to the single-port device for better outcomes22. Further development of a double-cuffed single-incision port could also reduce such contamination. It is important to note that in obese patients, it may be challenging to pull the gastric wall out to create the gastrotomy and subsequently suture it to the abdominal wall skin. In such cases, the protective sleeve can be directly placed into the gastric cavity to establish the single-port channel. During the procedure, gas may escape through the pylorus or gastroesophageal junction. To address this, an insufflation pressure of 10-12 mmHg is advised (slightly lower than the resting tone of the pyloric and gastroesophageal sphincters). Wet gauze can also be positioned at the pylorus or gastroesophageal junction to reduce gas leakage. Regarding the surgeon's positioning, different preferences exist, with some literature suggesting that the primary surgeon operates from between the patient's legs. In single-incision procedures where the surgeon is between the patient's legs, the surgeon's hands are close together, primarily performing forward and rotational movements7. From an ergonomic perspective, rotational movements in front of the chest are more flexible than forward and backward rotations, so in this study, the primary surgeon stood on the patient's right side.
The greatest challenge in intragastric single-incision laparoscopic surgery (I-SILS) is the limited operating space and instrument interference14. This can be mitigated by applying counter-traction between the assisting forceps and the gastric wall to create tension, rotating the forceps in place to change the clamping point, and pulling the needle and suture backward to alleviate the "scissoring" effect and gain more operating space. Additionally, single-handed suturing is often necessary when the assisting forceps are unavailable. Suturing the surgical wound is a key difficulty in I-SILS. Some literature reports the use of a linear cutting stapler for submucosal tumor resection and closure, but using a stapler in the confined space of the gastroesophageal junction is challenging and may result in gastroesophageal stenosis or sphincter injury7,22. Suturing along the long axis of the stomach is crucial to prevent gastroesophageal stenosis, and using barbed sutures can significantly reduce the difficulty of suturing.
However, this technique is not suitable for all GIST surgeries. Preoperative gastroscopy and CT should be performed, and endoscopic ultrasound may be necessary to determine the location and type of GIST. Endophytic GISTs at the cardia, pylorus, and posterior wall, which are difficult to manage endoscopically or with exo/trans-gastric laparoscopic surgery, are ideal candidates for this procedure. Conversely, tumors with exophytic growth, extensive serosal involvement, or those larger than 5 cm are generally excluded from this approach because they are more suited for exogastric laparoscopic resection, which can reduce potential difficulties in tumor extraction, the risk of incomplete resection, or compromised gastric function23. For larger GISTs (>5 cm) at the gastroesophageal junction, neoadjuvant targeted therapy may be considered before surgery to reduce tumor size and create a margin to protect the integrity of the GEJ, thus allowing a less invasive surgical approach such as I-SILS. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the appropriate size of GISTs for intragastric single-incision laparoscopic surgery.
In conclusion, intragastric single-incision laparoscopic resection of GISTs at the gastroesophageal junction is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive technique with potential clinical value. However, large-sample, prospective, randomized controlled trials are needed to further validate the surgical and therapeutic value of this technique, identify patient populations most likely to benefit, explore long-term functional outcomes (e.g., reflux, gastric motility), and compare I-SILS with other innovative techniques like endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Additionally, standardized and systematic training in single-incision laparoscopic techniques is essential for the safe and successful implementation of this procedure.