Evidence Hub

Divergent manifestations and management of GISTs of the small intestine: a case series

Devendra Bist, R. Ghimire

Journal of Surgical Case Reports, 2026

1 citation

Abstract

Abstract Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) of the small intestine are rare but clinically significant mesenchymal neoplasms, often presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding, obstruction, or perforation. This retrospective case series analyses six cases managed over 18 months, highlighting their diverse presentations, diagnostic challenges, and surgical outcomes. Gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common symptom (n = 4), followed by obstruction (n = 2) and perforation (n = 1), with one case detected incidentally. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was crucial in preoperative diagnosis, revealing exophytic, or intraluminal masses. All patients underwent surgical resection, including segmental bowel resection with anastomosis or wedge resection, with histopathology confirming GIST in all cases. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in most patients, except for one case of transient paralytic ileus requiring intensive care. This study highlights the diagnostic challenges of small intestinal GISTs and emphasizes the role of early imaging and timely surgical intervention in improving outcomes. Further research is needed to refine treatment strategies and long-term prognostication.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

Read the paper

Related studies

Go deeper in Evidence Hub

Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.

Open this study Sign up free