The treatment of choice for gastric submucosal tumors (SMT) is surgical resection. Recent advanced techniques have facilitated more extensive application of laparoscopic surgery to most types of resectable gastric SMTs. This study aimed to verify the efficacy of laparoscopic resection for gastric SMT through the analysis of outcomes obtained at a single center. A total of 141 patients who underwent laparoscopic resection for gastric SMT were enrolled between April 2003 and June 2011. The demographics, tumor characteristics, and surgical or oncological outcomes of these patients were analyzed. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) were the most common pathologic findings (90 cases), and the upper third of the stomach was the most common location (70 cases). Wedge resections were performed in 128 patients and major gastrectomies were performed in 13 patients. The mean surgical time was 102 minutes, which reduced to a stable 70 minutes after the 30th case. The surgical time for tumors located on the posterior or lesser portion of the upper third of the stomach was longer than that for other lesions. Twelve postoperative complications, including 2 cases of intra-abdominal bleeding, 1 case of marginal ulcer bleeding, and 1 case of leakage occurred. However, there were no complications after the 70th case. During the follow-up period, 2 patients suffered recurrent GIST. Laparoscopic surgery for gastric SMT is safe and feasible, particularly as the surgeon develops greater skill with increased experience. Laparoscopic resection is useful for any type of gastric SMT
