Efficacy and complications of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors and exploration for influencing factors.

Background: Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) has emerged as a feasible technique for resecting upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract submucosal tumors (SMTs) through natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. STER reduces the risk of postoperative perforation and abdominal infections and promotes rapid wound healing. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of STER for small (≤ 3.