Full-Thickness Laparoendoscopic Excision in the Stomach

Background. The authors describe the initial validation of a novel full-thickness laparoendoscopic excision (FLEx) technique for the stomach. Methods. The technique was studied in seven 50-kg pigs. Secure full-thickness excision was ensured by inversion excision target with a 1-cm circumferential margin using laparoendoscopically placed brace bars passed intraluminally from the outside of the stomach, laparoscopic oversewing of the site of inversion, and endoscopic full-thickness excision using a dual scope approach. Pigs were sacrificed either immediately (n = 3) or between 7 and 10 days after surgery (n = 4). Results. The procedure achieved uncomplicated full-thickness excision in every case. Median procedure duration was 227 minutes (range = 210-245 minutes). Median specimen diameter was 5.5 cm (range = 2.5-8 cm). Investigative autopsy confirmed technical sufficiency in all animals. Median site bursting pressure was 130 mm Hg (range = 120-160 mm Hg). Conclusions. The FLEx technique proved useful for excision of small localized lesions of the stomach in this animal study.