A Case of Accidentally Found Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in a 57-Year-Old Candidate of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Abstract

Introduction GIST tumors are the most common mesenchymal tumors in the alimentary tract but are rather rare compared to other GI tract tumors and are usually found incidentally. Studies about cases of GIST tumor in bariatric surgery are scarce and there is no specific guideline for treatment. Most of previous cases were managed by sleeve gastrectomy due to their location which were usually in the body and greater curvature. Methods This patient had a GIST on lesser curvature and therefore underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y bypass. The follow-up was done with imaging studies and CT scan since the location of the tumor was no longer accessible to endoscopy after the gastric bypass. Results The post-operative course was uneventful and after 2 years the patient is still in good health and had no other complications. The patient has been followed up by imaging studies. Discussion There are pros and cons to this compared with sleeve gastrectomy. The most important advantage for this approach is that we have the stomach preserved; thus, our operation has the reversibility potential in case of any complication which requires revision operations. However, on the flip side, the limitation of such intervention is that we are not able to use the EGD to monitor and follow up our patient. Based on the relevant literature, for following up and monitoring the postoperative condition of these patients with relatively small GISTs, imaging studies specially abdominal computed tomography scan (CT scan) would be highly beneficial. It is also worth of mentioning that performing a EGD before a bariatric surgery, which is well noted in IFSO position statements and is well explained and discussed in other literature, had a major role in diagnosing this patient's GIST tumor and is proved to be beneficial and essential, once again.