Minimally invasive treatment strategies for submucosal tumors of the upper gastrointestinal tract: Advances in innovative endoscopy-based therapies

Abstract

The increasing detection of submucosal tumors (SMTs) in the upper gastrointestinal tract (UGI) is due to the increased clinical use of endoscopy and imaging technology. Some of these SMTs have malignant potential and may cause clinical symptoms. Thus, it is recommended in clinical guidelines to consider resection of these SMTs. Endoscopic techniques have become widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of SMT in the UGI as compared with traditional surgery due to their advantages of minimally invasive, quick recovery, and economical cost. Recently, new endoscopic techniques and instruments have been continuously implemented, leading to revolutionary innovation in endoscopic treatments. However, the safety and efficacy of these innovative techniques remain unclear. Therefore, we have comprehensively summarized the various techniques used in the treatment of UGI tumors in recent years, evaluated the indications and effects of each technique, and compared their benefits and disadvantages. We hope that this review will provide a more comprehensive reference for clinical and endoscopic practitioners, and help them develop more individualized treatment plans for different patients. This will ultimately expand the patient population that can benefit from these innovative technologies.