Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors or GIST as they are often called are ideally resected utilizing some of the minimally invasive surgical techniques that we specialize in at the Virginia Heartburn and Hernia Institute. Fortunately these tumors typically follow a benign course but may present from during and investigation of chronic anemia or acute gastrointestinal bleeding as they grow through or erode though the internal lining of the stomach or intestine.
Because they typically follow a benign course their resection is typically straight forward any typically involves only a brief overnight stay if laparoscopic techniques are utilized.
The GIST tumor in this stomach has been identified by endoscopy and palpation. Because it is on the back wall of the stomach in this patient an incision is made directly into the anterior stomach wall and the tumor is everted and transected with a laparoscopic stapler and removed. The incision in the stomach is closed with the same stapling technique and the procedure is concluded. The patient went home the next morning.
Watch Dr. Gillian do a GIST resection on the stomach with laparoscopic surgery (Youtube)