Laparoscopy and intraoperative enteroscopy, a helpful tool in a rare tumor (inflammatory fibroid polyp) of the small bowel. A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFPs) are rare, benign tumors that can arise throughout the gastrointestinal tract, they are usually asymptomatic, and clinical presentation depends on the site of involvement. Gastric and colon IFPs are traditionally identified incidentally, whereas small intestinal lesions are often encountered in the setting of intussusception or during imaging studies. Complete resection via endoscopy or surgery is recommended. CASE PRESENTATION: Patient is a 52-year-old male without past medical history; he had a five-month history of mild colicky abdominal pain. A mass was detected in the small bowel, and surgery was decided. Since the mass was small a cooperative approach with an intraoperative enteroscopy was needed to locate the mass and achieve complete resection. DISCUSSION: IFPs of the small bowel require complete resection. Surgery should be performed as early as possible to prevent complications like intussusceptions, ischemia, and necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: In these rare tumors, the collaboration between surgeons and endoscopists is indispensable to improve the patient's prognosis.

"A hybrid approach for GISTs near the esophagogastric junction, a case report".

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Complete resection of GISTs is the only chance of cure for patients. When these tumors are located near the esophagogastric junction, the surgical risk can cause deformity or stenosis in the gastric inlet, leading to higher complications and diminishing their quality of life. In such cases, a more sophisticated and tailored approach should be used. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 42-year-old female; she presented to our office with a 3-year history of nausea, vomiting and abdominal distension. Two GISTs were located near the EGJ, and with a combined approach we achieved complete resection. On follow-ups, the patient is doing well. CLINICAL DISCUSSION CONCLUSION: When diagnosis is confirmed, surgical resection must be the first choice for GISTs as complete surgical excision is the only permanent cure. The rise of endoscopic surgery has become a valuable tool and a critical element in surgery. Hybrid techniques that combine laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches can improve the patient's outcomes and provide better results.

A bleeding GIST in pandemic times, a cooperative approach to a delayed complication, a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the major manifestations of the stomach's gastrointestinal stromal tumors; when gastric GISTs bleed, they are associated with a poor prognosis and must be treated promptly to avoid dangerous complications. A worrisome side effect of the Covid-19 pandemic is the delay in surgical treatment for seriously ill patients, a rise in surgical complications due to delayed care, lack of access to the healthcare system, and patients' hesitancy to seek care due to fear of the virus. In Ecuador, where limitations were present even in the absence of a pandemic, we are yet to fully know the full extent of the damage this pandemic has caused to ourselves and our patients. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the case of a 51-year-old female; she presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and a gastric GIST was diagnosed. Due to the size and the symptoms, surgery was planned. Nonetheless, as Ecuador was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic to cope with the respiratory patients, surgeries were delayed or canceled. Our patient surgery was delayed for five months until she presented with severe gastrointestinal bleeding that required urgent action and care. Thankfully, she completely recovered. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This case is an example of the many complications we expect due to the pandemic; delay in treatment leads to troublesome complications. In these emergencies, time is of the essence, and surgical services must rise to the challenge; in a particular way, this case also proves that if there are the necessary tools to enhance the patient's recovery, we should hesitate to use them. Complete resection of the gastric GIST in a prompt matter must be done to avoid these potentially deadly complications.