An elective combined caesarean section and small bowel GIST resection during the third trimester of pregnancy: Report of a case

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONGastro-Intestinal Stromal Tumours (GISTs) are rare with an estimated incidence of only 11–15 per million. In pregnancy, GISTs are an extremely rare occurrence and are thus complex to manage from an ethical, surgical and oncological perspective. PRESENTATION OF CASEWe present the first reported case in the literature of a successful combined lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) and a tumour resection in a 31-year-old pregnant patient presenting with a small bowel GIST. DISCUSSIONWe compare and contrast our case with other reported cases of GIST resection in pregnancy and discuss the challenges faced by both patients and clinicians. CONCLUSIONOur case demonstrates that a combined LSCS and GIST resection is feasible. In addition, our case highlights the importance of both the multidisciplinary setting and the consideration of patients’ wishes in the successful management of this complex group of patients.