Surgical options for localized and advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors

The development of imitinab has led to a revolution in the management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), but surgical resection remains the cornerstone of treatment for patients with localized disease. The principles to surgical treatment of GIST include careful handling of tissues to prevent tumor rupture and resection to negative margins without the need for wide excision. Minimally invasive techniques have proven equally efficacious provided appropriate oncologic resections are performed.