Risk factors for the failure of endoscopic resection of gastric submucosal tumors: a long-term retrospective case–control study

Objective Endoscopic resection (ER) is an effective treatment method for gastric submucosal tumors (G-SMTs), but endoscopic resection failure requires emergency surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess potential risk factors for endoscopic resection failure. Methods A total of 1041 patients with G-SMT undergoing endoscopic resection were enrolled. Twenty-five patients in whom endoscopic resection failed, requiring a transition to surgery midway through the operation, were included in the failed group, and 1016 patients who received successful endoscopic resection were included in the successful endoscopic resection group. Baseline and lesion characteristics were recorded, and the differences in tumor characteristics and risk factors for resection failure of G-SMT were analyzed. Sensitivity analysis was performed to detect the stability of the indicator. Results Of the 1041cases included, there were 25 cases (2.4%) of failed endoscopic resection. Binary logistic analysis showed that the independent risk factors included tumors originating from deep muscularis propria(OR = 14.42, 95% CI 4.47 – 46.52), size > 3 cm (OR = 7.75, 95% CI 2.64 – 22.70), exophytic growth pattern (OR = 4.98, 95% CI 1.62 – 15.29), endoscopist with less experience (OR = 5.99, 95% CI 1.07 – 12.19), and irregular borders (OR = 4.13, 95% CI 1.40 – 12.19). The stable risk factors were tumors size, tumor origin and growth pattern according to sensitivity analysis. Conclusions Tumors originating from the deep muscularis propria, tumor size > 3 cm, endoscopists with less experience, an exophytic growth pattern, and irregular boundaries were found to be independent risk factors for endoscopic resection failure. To reduce the risk of endoscopic resection failure, physicians should carefully evaluate G-SMT characteristics preoperative.