Surgery is a highly effective treatment option for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), which is a soft tissue sarcoma that begins in the digestive system. For more advanced cases where the GIST has spread in or near the gastrointestinal tract, a combination of surgery and chemotherapy may provide the best possible outcomes.
At Sarcoma Oncology Center, our expert team develops personalized surgical plans tailored to your unique needs, ensuring the highest quality surgical care.
Whether performed as a standalone procedure or integrated with other treatments, such as targeted therapy for metastatic or recurrent GISTs, the goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and enhance your quality of life.
Our team ensures you are well-informed about what to expect during and after your GIST surgery. We include detailed information about follow-up care in our surgical plan for your optimal recovery.
Although GIST tumors typically develop in the stomach or small intestine, they can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Surgery is the primary treatment option for GIST sarcoma that has not spread.
However, a multimodal approach may be needed for GIST cases where the tumor has spread from the original tumor site or is located in an area where the procedure may damage surrounding organs.
The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. If your tumor is smaller than 2 cm and not causing symptoms, we may observe it to see if it grows or changes before recommending a course of action.
We apply the “Rule of 5" in GIST to help predict specific tumor characteristics and behavior. This means tumors larger than 5 cm or with more than 5 mitotic figures (a measure of cell division) per 50 high-power microscope fields are more likely to be aggressive. This rule helps in planning treatment and follow-up care.
If your tumor meets the Rule of 5, you may require more intensive post-surgical management, including targeted therapy.
The surgical approach chosen for your case is based on the size, location, and severity of the tumor. Here are the primary techniques used for GIST:
Rest assured that whatever procedure is recommended for you, we ensure you have all the information you need to prepare for your surgery. This includes guidelines on when to stop eating, drinking, and taking specific medications.Â
Most patients who have GIST have a single tumor and can be typically treated with surgery alone. To determine if surgery is the best treatment option for you, we evaluate several factors:
This personalized approach ensures you receive the most effective and safest surgical plan for your condition.
Recovery timelines after a GIST surgery can vary depending on factors like the surgery type, tumor location, and your overall health. Most patients begin to feel better within 4-6 weeks, but complete recovery can take several months.
You will also have several tubes in place as you recover. These may include a pain relief drip in your arm, a catheter to collect urine, and possibly a feeding tube. These tubes will be removed gradually as your condition improves with time.Â
We recommend that you talk with your doctor about developing a care plan for you for your recovery period. This plan may include:Â
Our team continues to closely monitor your progress after surgery. We advise patients to attend all follow-up appointments, as gastrointestinal stromal tumors can sometimes return even after successful treatment. These appointments are also an excellent opportunity to ask questions, share any changes you've noticed, put your mind at ease, or voice concerns you may have.
After surgery, you may have a dressing over the wound. We provide guidance on how to keep the wound clean and prevent infection once you're at home.Â
As with other surgical procedures, side effects may occur after GIST surgery, including:
The follow-up care after GIST surgery may include medications to manage pain and infections, food recommendations, exercise, and additional tests to monitor your condition.
After GIST surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort for a few days, which will be managed with pain medicines. You may be prescribed tablets or injections or have patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), which delivers a measured dose of pain medicine through an IV drip at the press of a button.
Antibiotics may also be administered to reduce the risk of infection, especially in the first few days post-surgery.
In some cases, you may continue or start targeted therapy to minimize the risk of recurrence. This decision will be made depending on the tumor’s size, location, and metastasis status.
During your follow-up visits, we inquire about any symptoms, conduct physical exams, and may order imaging tests, such as CT scans, to monitor your progress. Since there is a risk that a GIST may recur after treatment, we typically recommend follow-up visits every 3 to 6 months for several years, with the frequency possibly decreasing over time.
If cancer does recur, your treatment options will be based on the tumor's location, your previous treatments, and your current health and preferences.
We encourage gentle exercise to speed up a return to usual activities and improve quality of life. Our multimodal approach includes considering alternative treatments that can provide beneficial results that may contribute to recovery by helping to ease side effects, manage symptoms, and reduce anxiety.
Our team will provide you with guidance on the impact of GIST surgery on eating and drinking in the short term and long term. Depending on your tumor location in the GI tract, you may need a feeding tube for a few weeks after surgery.
Overall, soft, nutrient-rich foods like broths, steamed vegetables, and lean protein are easy to digest and provide essential nutrients for healing.
Recovery after GIST surgery is a gradual process, but with care and patience, you can return to your normal life. By following our surgeon’s advice, maintaining a healthy diet, and taking it one step at a time, you can set the foundation for a successful recovery.
At our office in Santa Monica, we design personalized treatment plans for GIST. We monitor your recovery and overall health even after you finish treatment.
To schedule a consultation, please call us at 310-552-9999 or request an appointment online.
