title: Optimal management of GIST tumors located near the gastroesophageal junction: Case report and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The safety and oncologic outcome of laparoscopic gastric GIST resection is well established especially for lesions <5cm in diameter. The optimal management of GIST tumors near the GE junction remains unclear.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case-report of a 4.7cm GIST tumor near the GE junction managed by endoscopically-assisted laparoscopic wedge resection (EAWR). We present a review of the literature highlighting the various combined laparo-endoscopic techniques available.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We used the non-touch lesion-lifting method to laparoscopically resect the GIST tumor under endoscopic guidance. There were no complications and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 3.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endoscopically-assisted laparoscopic wedge resections are feasible and safe for GIST tumors near the GE junction.
authors.affiliation: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA. Electronic address: Hishaamismael@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Hishaam
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ismael
authors.affiliation: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Yury
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ragoza
authors.affiliation: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Caccitolo
authors.affiliation: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cox
keywords: GIST tumors; Gastroesophageal junction tumors; Laparo-endoscopic resection; Laparoscopic wedge resection