Published online Apr 27, 2023. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i4.566
Peer-review started: December 9, 2022
First decision: February 8, 2023
Revised: February 25, 2023
Accepted: March 27, 2023
Article in press: March 27, 2023
Published online: April 27, 2023
Processing time: 134 Days and 15.4 Hours
Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of epithelial tumors with a predominant neuroendocrine differentiation. Although NETs are usually considered rare neoplasms, small intestinal NETs are the most common primary malignancy of the small bowel, with an increasing prevalence worldwide during the course of the past few decades. The indolent nature of these tumors often leads to a delayed diagnosis, resulting in over one-third of patients presenting with synchronous metastases. Primary tumor resection remains the only curative option for this type of tumor. In this review article, the various surgical aspects for the excision of small intestinal NETs are discussed.
Core Tip: Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SINETs) are the most common primary malignancy of the small bowel. While many patients present with mesenteric and liver metastases the primary tumor resection poses a surgical challenge. In this review article, the various surgical aspects for the excision of small intestinal NETs are discussed.