Is It Dangerous to Remove a Gastric Lipoma?

Gastric lipomas are relatively rare, benign fatty tumors that develop in the stomach lining. While they are typically non-cancerous, larger lipomas can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding, or obstruction, which may require surgical removal. The question many patients ask is: Is the removal of a gastric lipoma dangerous?

The good news is that for smaller lipomas—usually around 2-3 cm in diameter—the procedure is considered low-risk. In most cases, these can be safely removed using endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), a minimally invasive technique that allows doctors to excise the tumor without the need for open surgery. This method also allows for faster recovery and fewer complications.

However, when dealing with larger lipomas or cases where the diagnosis is unclear, additional steps may be necessary. A biopsy may be performed first to confirm the tumor's benign nature before deciding on a more invasive procedure. In such situations, a laparoscopic partial gastrectomy—removal of part of the stomach through small incisions—may be recommended.

For smaller lesions, endoscopic removal combined with endoscopic repair of the stomach lining is often sufficient to achieve successful treatment. Endoscopic techniques have become the preferred approach due to their safety and effectiveness. On the other hand, if the tumor is too large or technically difficult to remove via endoscope, the risk of complications such as bleeding or perforation increases significantly. In these cases, a more direct approach like laparoscopic surgery or endoscopic resection with on-site gastric wall suturing becomes the better option.

In conclusion, while gastric lipoma removal is generally safe, the level of risk depends largely on the size and location of the tumor. Consulting with a specialist to determine the best course of action is crucial for a successful outcome.