Laparoscopic Small Bowel Resection of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour after Angiographic Diagnosis and Successful Embolization

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) account for 2% of all tumors of the digestive tract. They are most frequently located in the stomach followed by the small intestine and most often present with mucosal ulceration and erosion associated with gastrointestinal bleeding. Bleeding from the small intestine can be difficult to diagnose and angiography becomes a useful diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in these patients. We present a case of a GIST located in the ileum which presented with a lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). The patient was stabilized by performing an arteriography and selective embolization of the bleeding point, followed by elective surgery.