Hartley, R.J.Becker, J.H.R. (Hennie)Van der Walt, HannesLuvhengo, T.2011-09-082011-09-082011-08Hartley, RJ, Becker, JHR, Van Der Walt, H & Luvhengo, T 2011, 'Gastro-intestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) – the Pretoria experience and a literature review', South African Journal of Surgery, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 128-131.0038-2361http://hdl.handle.net/2263/17245AIM: To analyse the presentation and management of patients with gastro-intestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) at Pretoria hospitals. DESIGN: A retrospective study was done in which all available clinical records of primary c-KIT positive GISTs were analysed. SETTING: Secondary and tertiary care institutions in Pretoria, including both private and public hospitals. SUBJECTS: The population studied included all individuals treated at Pretoria hospitals from 17 July 2000 to 1 April 2009 who had a GIST confirmed with immunohistochemical c‑KIT staining. Patients with incomplete or inaccessible clinical records were excluded. OUTCOME MEASURES. Patient demographics including gender, age and race; presenting symptoms and signs; results of special investigations; and treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-four cases were identified for inclusion in the study. The age of the subjects ranged from 15 to 83 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1. The organ most commonly affected was the stomach, and abdominal pain and weight loss were the most common presenting symptoms. Seventy-six per cent of the patients were treated surgically, and 24% received imatinib. CONCLUSION: GISTs often present late with nonspecific symptoms, and are frequently discovered incidentally. Large tumours tend to be malignant.enHealth and Medical Publishing GroupGastro-intestinal stromal tumours (GISTs)Gastrointestinal stromal tumors -- South AfricaArticle