Transvaginal resection of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the rectum: a case report

Background The most common curative treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is local excision. For rectal GISTs, however, local excision is difficult because of the anatomical features of the rectum. The optimal surgical approach is still under debate, and less invasive methods are desired. We herein report a case of transvaginal resection of a rectal GIST in a young woman.Case presentation A 21-year-old woman was diagnosed with a resectable GIST in the anterior rectal wall and underwent transvaginal tumor resection. The posterior vaginal wall was incised, revealing the tumor fully covered by the rectal mucosa. The rectal adventitia and muscular layer were incised, and the tumor was resected en bloc without rupture. The postoperative course was favorable, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 12. No findings consistent with recurrence were present 6 months postoperatively.Conclusion Transvaginal tumor resection is a treatment option as a minimally invasive procedure for GISTs in the anterior rectal wall in female patients.