Enucleation and Esophagectomy for Esophageal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Systematic Review

Surgery remains curative for esophageal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), while debates persist between minimally invasive enucleation and radical esophagectomy. Limited evidence from case reports and small cohorts necessitates a systematic evaluation to guide clinical decisions. This review showed that enucleation may be considered for small and low-mitotic-index esophageal GISTs with benign tendency. Despite higher R1 and tumor rupture rates, survival outcomes were comparable to esophagectomy. Enucleation, including endoscopic enucleation, was safe and effective in selected cases.