Laparoscopic resection of gastric schwannoma: a case report

Abstract Introduction Gastric schwannomas are an extremely rare presentation of mesenchymal tumors originating from Schwann cells, accounting for 0.2% of all gastric tumors. Patients are usually asymptomatic, so these tumors are frequently detected incidentally. Presentation of Case 68-year old male patient found to have a 5 cm mass in the lesser curvature of the stomach. After a careful preoperative evaluation, complete laparoscopic resection was performed. Pathology review confirmed a completely resected gastric Schwannoma. The patient's recovery was uneventful. At a one-year follow-up he remains asymptomatic and with no evidence of disease. Discussion We present the uncommon case of a gastric schwannoma that was appropriately treated with a laparoscopic approach and present a current literature review focusing on diagnostic and treatment methods of these rare tumors. Conclusion Schwannomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of gastric tumors and can be appropriately treated with a laparoscopic approach.