Feasibility of full-thickness gastric resection using master and slave transluminal endoscopic robot and closure by overstitch: A preclinical study

Background Gastric submucosal tumors are often treated by laparoscopic wedge resection. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of gastric full-thickness resection through a totally endoscopic approach using the master and slave transluminal endoscopic robot (MASTER), and closure of the luminal defect with an endoscopic suturing device. Methods The operation was performed in two live porcine models under general anesthesia. First, the anterior wall of the stomach was slung to the abdominal wall using a percutaneous suturing device. An imaginary 5-cm lesion was marked using a needle knife. After the initial mucosal incision was made using an IT knife, the MASTER was introduced through a long overtube. A circumferential mucosal incision was completed with the MASTER to expose the muscularis propria which was grasped and incised to the serosal layer by electrocautery applied through the hook of the MASTER. The full-thickness resection of the gastric wall was completed with retraction using the grasper and dissection using the hook. While the defect was being created, the luminal space was maintained with traction of the percutaneous sutures. The defect was closed with suture plication using an Apollo Overstitch device. Results Two full-thickness gastric resections were performed in two nonsurvival porcine models (body weight = 30 and 35 kg, respectively) using the MASTER. The total procedure time was 56 min for the first model and 70 min for the second model. The luminal view was maintained during the whole procedure, and there was no damage to surrounding organs throughout the whole procedure. The gastric defects were closed successfully using Overstitch, with satisfactory gastric distension and no gas leakage afterward. Conclusion The current experiment demonstrated the feasibility and safety of a totally endoscopic approach for the treatment of gastric submucosal tumors: full-thickness resection with the MASTER and successful closure of the defect using Overstitch.