If you have an early-stage gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), surgery alone is often an effective treatment. Surgery plus chemotherapy can also provide the best possible outcome even when the tumor has progressed and spread.
At Penn Medicine, our nationally recognized surgical team specializes in the removal of these rare tumors. By working closely with other GIST tumor specialists, you benefit from the most advanced options to treat this cancer and personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
Who Is a Candidate for GIST Surgery?
Most people with gastrointestinal stromal tumor have only one tumor. We can cure about 70 percent of patients with surgery alone. The other 30 percent develop a recurrence (when the tumor returns).
Your care team will review several factors to determine if surgery will benefit you:
- If the GIST is metastatic (has spread), it may be best for you to receive chemotherapy first to shrink it so we can remove it.
- Your general health should be good enough to have general anesthesia and undergo a surgical procedure.
- If the GIST is located near certain vital organs, we may not be able remove it surgically.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Surgery: Why Choose the Abramson Cancer Center?
At the Abramson Cancer Center, you benefit from a team of cancer specialists who collaborate to provide you with an effective treatment plan. These doctors include experts in medical oncology, gastroenterology, radiology, pathology and surgery.
We also deliver:
- GIST tumor expertise: At Penn you receive care from world-class expert surgeons who specialize in the removal of GISTs. This uncommon expertise helps our patients experience better outcomes.
- Surgical skill: Surgeries to remove large GIST tumors that affect multiple organs are hard to do. Our surgeons have the skill and experience to perform even the most complex GIST surgeries.
- Groundbreaking GIST research: Our team includes Ronald DeMatteo, MD, a world leader in GIST care and research. He has been at the forefront of some of the most exciting advances, including the landmark clinical trial that studied the use of the drug imatinib after surgery.
- Latest treatments: Our doctors have been involved in research that has helped develop better, more precise ways to detect GISTs, new drugs that directly target GISTs and methods to use the immune system to attack GISTs. Our patients have special access to the latest therapies that result from these efforts. Learn more about targeted molecular therapy.
- Compassionate support: Our specialized oncology nurse navigators are committed to making sure your experience with us is as comfortable as possible. They can also help you navigate complex health care situations, serve as your point of contact and provide reliable advice and direction for you and your family. Meet the oncology nurse navigators.
How Are GIST Tumors Removed?
While most GIST tumors develop in the stomach, they can happen anywhere in your gastrointestinal tract. The size, location and stage of the GIST help determine the best way to remove it. We offer comprehensive surgical options for GIST removal, including:
- Laparoscopic surgery: This minimally invasive technique removes small tumors through tiny incisions, leading to easier recoveries.
- Local wide excision: If the GIST is small, we remove it along with a small amount of the surrounding tissue.
- Partial gastrectomy: During this surgery, we remove part of your stomach.
- Partial intestine resection: Surgeons can remove GISTs located in the intestine (bowel) by removing part of the intestine.
- Abdominoperineal resection: Surgeons remove your rectum and anus.
- Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy): During this procedure, surgeons remove part of your pancreas, a small part of your intestine, and sometimes part of your stomach, bile duct and gallbladder. Learn more about the Whipple procedure.
Preparing for GIST Tumor Surgery
We make sure you get all the information you need to prepare for your operation, including when to stop eating, drinking and taking certain medications. You also receive a routine blood test, an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a chest X-ray before undergoing general anesthesia.
If you are older or have certain medical conditions, we may also refer you to a cardiologist to ensure you are healthy enough to have an operation. Learn more about our Division of Cardiovascular Medicine.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From GIST Surgery?
Most people who have had GIST surgery can expect to regain their quality of life after surgery.
Generally, you stay in the hospital for seven to 10 days. You can expect to sit in a chair, and in most cases, walk within 24 hours of surgery. Eating can also resume within a few days.
Your overall recovery generally takes three to six weeks. But you should avoid lifting heavy objects for several months to ensure your incision heals. It can take up to a year for it to completely heal.
Request an Appointment
Call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.