Posterior Wall Gastric Leiomyoma: Endoscopic Tattooing Facilitates Laparoscopic Resection

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the application of tattooing for the intraoperative localization of posterior wall gastric leiomyoma during laparoscopic resection. The preoperative injection of Indian ink in the tumor-bearing area of the posterior gastric wall eliminates the need to perform anterior wall gastrostomy or intraoperative upper endoscopic tumor localization. METHODS A patient with posterior wall gastric leiomyoma was marked with Indian ink during preoperative upper endoscopy. The dye was visualized intraoperatively facilitating wedge resection of the tumor-bearing area with the Endo GIA. RESULTS The patient had an uneventful surgery and recovery. Complete excision of the tumor was accomplished. CONCLUSION The preoperative endoscopic marking of gastric lesions, facilitates the intraoperative localization and resection of these lesions.