OBJECTIVE

To analyze the issue of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and potential of minimally invasive surgical interventions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed postoperative outcomes in 97 patients with gastric and intestinal GISTs who underwent surgical treatment at the National Medical Research Centre for Oncology between 2015 and 2020.

RESULTS

Twenty (24.7) patients with gastric GISTs underwent laparoscopic partial and distal gastric resections. Five (35.7%) patients with GISTs of the small intestine underwent minimally invasive segmental bowel resections. Only minimally invasive interventions were performed in patients with rectal GISTs. Analysis of laparoscopic and open surgeries for GISTs found no significant differences. Analysis of laparoscopic and open surgeries for gastric and small bowel GISTs revealed the obvious advantages of minimally invasive access regarding postoperative outcomes. Indeed, we found no need for nasogastric drainage in 50% of patients (p<0.001), earlier recovery of intestinal motility and oral feeding (p<0.001), lower postoperative morbidity (p=0.036), fast recovery of motor activity (p<0.001) and shorter postoperative hospital-stay (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Despite small incidence, GISTs are a complex problem in modern oncology. Diagnosis and treatment require a multidisciplinary medical team (morphologists, geneticists, radiologists, surgeons, chemotherapists, gastroenterologists and other specialists) that is possible in a reference center. Minimally invasive interventions for GISTs of the stomach, small intestine and rectum improve postoperative course.