Incidental Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors in Thoracic and Bariatric Surgery

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare. This study aims to determine GIST rates in bariatric sleeve gastrectomy (SG) patients and esophageal cancer (EC) patients who receive esophagectomy. Methods: Retrospective review of an institution from 01/2022 to 03/2023 was performed. Incidental GIST rate was determined utilizing pathology reports. Results: One hundred thirteen patients were included (21% esophagectomy, 79% SG). Of EC patients, 21% had incidental GIST compared to 0 SG patients ( P < .01). All GIST patients had a secondary malignancy and 50% had a tertiary malignancy. Conclusions: Esophagectomy patients with EC had a significantly higher rate of incidental GIST compared to bariatric SG patients and general population.