Laparoscopic versus open resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: survival outcomes from the NCDB

Studies comparing laparoscopic versus open resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) typically involve small comparative groups and often do not control for tumor size or stage of disease. The objective of this study was to compare adjusted survival outcomes for laparoscopic versus open GIST.

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2010 to 2014 was evaluated for gastric and small intestinal GIST resections. After stratification by disease stage and adjustment for patient demographics, comorbidity score, tumor size, and tumor location, 90-day mortality rates were compared based on laparoscopic versus open resection. Kaplan–Meier estimates of long-term survival were also compared. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine hazard ratios (HR) for survival.

There were 5096 cases analyzed, including 2910 (57%) stage I, 954 (19%) stage II, and 1232 (24%) stage III cases. The distribution of laparoscopic versus open cases was 1291 (44%) versus 1619 (56%) for stage I, 318 (33%) versus 636 (67%) for stage II, and 286 (23%) versus 946 (77%) for stage III. There was no significant difference in adjusted 90-day mortality between laparoscopic and open resection. Kaplan–Meier estimates of long-term survival demonstrated improved overall survival curves for laparoscopic resection for stage I and stage II disease, but no significant difference for stage III disease. Factors associated with statistically significant higher adjusted overall mortality included older age (HR 1.06; p < 0.001), black race (HR 1.33; p = 0.04), higher comorbidity score (HR 1.47; p < 0.001), and small intestinal versus gastric tumor location (HR 1.28; p = 0.03). The hazards model suggested improved overall survival for females (HR 0.59; p < 0.001) and laparoscopic approach (HR 0.80; p = 0.06).

Laparoscopic and open GIST resection have comparable 90-day mortality with possible improved long-term survival with laparoscopy for early-stage disease. These findings support the use of laparoscopy as a viable and potentially more effective approach to GIST resection.