[Laparoscopic total gastrectomy for multifocal gastric GIST: a case report and review of the literature].

: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the GI tract, deriving from interstitial Cajal cell degeneration. Over 95% of GISTs express CD-117 and CD-34, thus differing from other mesenchymal-derived tumours. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with a multifocal GIST, treated by laparoscopic total gastrectomy, and review the literature. A 74-year-old man with a preoperative diagnosis of sub-cardial GIST, obtained by endoscopy, CT scan and endoscopic ultrasound, was submitted to laparoscopic total gastrectomy with an end-to-side oesophago-jejunal anastomosis, using the Or-Vil system. GISTs account for only 1% of all GI tumours, with a variable behaviour, from indolent forms to aggressive tumours with potential for hepatic and peritoneal metastasis. Surgery is the cornerstone of therapy, the aim being to obtain an R0 resection, so as to minimise the risk of recurrence. Laparoscopic total gastrectomy is an excellent solution for their treatment, with possible adjuvant therapy based on imatinib-mesylate, for high-risk GIST.