Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract, arising from the interstitial cells of Cajal in the GI wall. They can occur anywhere along the GI tract but most commonly arise in the stomach (60%) and small intestine (30%). GISTs are driven by mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA receptor tyrosine kinases, which is why they respond well to targeted therapy with imatinib (Gleevec).
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract, arising from the interstitial cells of Cajal in the GI wall. They can occur anywhere along the GI tract but most commonly arise in the stomach (60%) and small intestine (30%). GISTs are driven by mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA receptor tyrosine kinases, which is why they respond well to targeted therapy with imatinib (Gleevec).
Dr. Rahul Wagh is an experienced GIST surgeon in Pune offering surgical resection for localised GISTs and complex re-resection for recurrent disease. He performs both laparoscopic and open GIST resection with a focus on achieving R0 margins without unnecessary lymph node dissection (as GISTs rarely spread to lymph nodes). He coordinates targeted therapy with medical oncologists in Pune for high-risk and metastatic GISTs.
The treatment of GISTs has been transformed by imatinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors. At his Baner clinics, Dr. Wagh evaluates all GIST patients with CT imaging and mutational analysis (KIT/PDGFRA testing) to determine the optimal combination of surgery and targeted therapy for each patient, whether surgery first, neoadjuvant imatinib to downsize before surgery, or long-term imatinib for advanced disease.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Gist in its early stages may not cause obvious symptoms, which is why recognising these warning signs and seeking prompt evaluation in Pune is critical:
1. Abdominal pain or discomfort
2. A palpable abdominal mass
3. Gastrointestinal bleeding (blood in stools or vomiting blood)
4. Anaemia and fatigue
5. Nausea, vomiting, or early satiety
6. Difficulty swallowing (oesophageal GIST)
7. Obstruction or constipation
8. An incidental mass found on CT or endoscopy
Why Choose Dr. Rahul Wagh for Gist in Pune?
MCH Surgical Oncology
Highest qualification in surgical oncology with specialised fellowship training in robotic-assisted and laparoscopic cancer surgery, rare expertise available in Pune.
Oncoplastic Techniques
Breast-conserving surgeries that combine tumour removal with immediate aesthetic reconstruction, prioritising both oncological safety and quality of life.
Robotic Precision
Robotic-assisted surgery provides greater accuracy, smaller incisions, reduced blood loss and a significantly faster recovery compared to open surgery.
5000+ Proven Surgeries
A track record of successful outcomes across 5000+ cancer surgeries. Trusted by patients from Baner, Aundh, Wakad, Hinjewadi and across Pune.
Gist Surgical Treatment Options in Pune
Dr. Rahul Wagh offers the following surgical treatment options at his clinics in Baner, Pune:
Laparoscopic GIST Resection
Minimally invasive removal of gastric or small bowel GISTs, preferred for lesions ≤ 5cm in accessible locations
Open GIST Resection
Open surgical removal for large, complex, or anatomically challenging GISTs
Wedge Resection of the Stomach
Gastric wall wedge excision for gastric GISTs with adequate margins
Small Bowel Resection
Segmental removal of small intestine for jejunal or ileal GISTs
Neoadjuvant Imatinib + Surgery
Pre-operative imatinib for 6–12 months to downsize large GISTs before surgical resection
Metastatic GIST Surgery
Surgery for imatinib-controlled liver or peritoneal GIST metastases in selected patients
Your Gist Treatment Journey in Pune
1
Staging & Mutational Testing
CT abdomen/pelvis, endoscopy, FNA or Tru-cut biopsy, and KIT/PDGFRA mutational analysis.
2
Neoadjuvant Imatinib (if applicable)
3–6 months of imatinib for large or anatomically complex GISTs to facilitate safe resection.
3
GIST Resection at Manipal Baner
Laparoscopic or open resection with R0 margins at Manipal Hospital, Baner.
4
Adjuvant Imatinib & Surveillance
3 years of adjuvant imatinib for intermediate/high-risk GISTs and CT surveillance.
Other Cancer Types Treated by Dr. Rahul Wagh in Pune
In addition to breast cancer, Dr. Wagh provides expert surgical oncology care for the following cancer types in Pune:
A Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST) is a type of soft tissue sarcoma arising from the wall of the GI tract. Most GISTs are driven by mutations in KIT or PDGFRA genes and respond well to targeted therapy with imatinib.
Localised GISTs with complete surgical resection (R0) have excellent long-term survival rates. High-risk patients benefit from adjuvant imatinib therapy to reduce recurrence.
Imatinib (brand name Gleevec) is a targeted therapy drug that specifically inhibits the mutant KIT or PDGFRA proteins driving GIST growth. It has transformed GIST management.
Yes. Dr. Rahul Wagh at Baner, Pune performs laparoscopic GIST resection for appropriately sized and located tumours, offering minimal scarring and faster recovery.
Dr. Wagh consults at Manipal Hospital, Baner and High Street Square, Baner Gaon. Call +91 8956002781.
