Successful application of the LECS technique through the collaboration between the Surgical and Gastroenterology teams

A significant achievement in the field of minimally invasive oncologic surgery was accomplished at IASO General Clinic, with the application of the Laparoscopic-Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery (LECS) technique for the removal of a gastric GIST, performed during the same surgical session as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The case concerns a 41-year-old man with symptomatic cholelithiasis who, as part of his preoperative assessment, underwent gastroscopy at the Endoscopy Department of IASO General Clinic in order to investigate his symptoms. During the endoscopy, a submucosal tumor was detected in the region just before the pylorus, which was further evaluated with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The mass was approximately 2 cm in size with characteristics compatible with a gastric tumor, with no other suspicious findings.

After the patient was fully informed, in accordance with international guidelines, it was decided to remove the tumor using a laparoscopic approach with simultaneous endoscopic guidance, during the same surgical session as the gallbladder removal.

The operation was carried out with excellent coordination between surgeons and gastroenterologists. The use of endoscopy during the procedure allowed the precise localization of the tumor and the determination of safe margins for its removal, ensuring complete excision while preserving the normal function of the stomach. The patient’s postoperative course was smooth and without complications.

This success highlights not only the technical excellence of a modern, organ-preserving method used in specialized centers worldwide, but above all the importance of true interdisciplinary collaboration. The LECS technique is considered safe and oncologically adequate in selected patients, as it enables radical removal of the lesion while preserving gastric function. At the same time, it reduces unnecessary loss of gastric parenchyma and contributes to better functional outcomes, while requiring a high-level and perfectly coordinated cooperation between the surgeon and the endoscopist.

This achievement is attributed to the specialized team of IASO General Clinic, Mr. Ioannis G. Kalliakmanis, MD, PhD, FEBGH, Gastroenterologist, Director, 4^th Gastroenterology Clinic - Specialized Digestive System Endoscopy, IASO General Clinic; Mr. Christos Dimopoulos, MD, PhD, General Surgeon, Director, 4^th Gastroenterology Clinic - Specialized Digestive System Endoscopy, IASO General Clinic; Mr. Dimitrios Lapatsanis, MD, PhD, EBSQ – FEBS, General Surgeon, Director, Bariatric Surgery, IASO General Clinic; Mr. Athanasios G. Pantelis, MD, MSc, FACS, General Surgeon, Associate Director, Bariatric Surgery, IASO General Clinic.

At IASO General Clinic, the quality of care is enhanced when different specialties work in collaboration, with the common goal of oncologic safety, preservation of organ function, and the best possible outcome for the patient. This case confirms that the future of modern medicine is minimally invasive, evidence-based, and deeply collaborative.