Duodenal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Rare Case

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal system and are usually located in the stomach and small intestine. However, GISTs localized in the duodenum are quite rare and require special techniques for surgical treatment. In this case report, the surgical treatment and postoperative process applied to a 28-year-old female patient due to GIST detected in the second segment of the duodenum is discussed. The patient applied with complaints of loss of appetite, abdominal pain and intermittent nausea lasting approximately three months. Although no obvious pathology was detected in the physical examination, an ulcerated mass lesion was detected in the second segment of the duodenum in the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) examination and a decision was made for surgical exploration. During laparotomy, an approximately 4x5 cm ulcerated tumor was observed in the second part of the duodenum, adjacent to the pancreatic head, protruding into the duodenal lumen, and no obvious invasion of the surrounding tissues. Duodenal wedge resection and Roux-en-Y gastroenterostomy were performed. The patient was discharged without any postoperative complications. Histopathological examination revealed high mitotic activity and the tumor was reported to be a high-grade GIST. The patient was referred to oncology for adjuvant imatinib therapy. In conclusion, duodenal GISTs are rare but can be effectively managed with early diagnosis and surgical intervention. Given the high-grade nature of the tumor, surgical treatment remains the primary approach, and continued oncological follow-up improves survival significantly.