Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of treating submucosal tumors of the esophagus and stomach using the Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection (STER) technique via flexible endoscopy.

Methods: A prospective and retrospective study was conducted on 69 patients with submucosal tumors less than 3 cm in diameter, diagnosed via flexible endoscopy at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from October 2022 to February 2025.

Results: The mean procedure time was 65.72 ± 46.81 minutes. The en-bloc resection rate was very high at 98.6%, with only 1.4% of cases requiring conversion to surgery. Regarding safety, no post-procedural complications were recorded (0%). Most patients experienced only mild pain and recovered quickly, with 87% being completely pain-free after 24 hours. Early outcomes were rated as "good" in 100% of cases. Among the 55.1% of patients with long-term follow-up, there were no cases of recurrence (0%).

Conclusion: The Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection (STER) technique via flexible endoscopy is a highly effective and exceptionally safe method for treating submucosal tumors of the esophagus and stomach, with a high success rate, no complications, and favorable long-term outcomes.