Sphincter‐preserving excision of rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumour following neoadjuvant therapy

Imatinib mesylate is the treatment of choice for metastatic and unresectable gastrointestinal stromal tumour. With evidence showing overall excellent response rates, its potential role in the neoadjuvant setting is currently being explored. In addition to improving resectability of advanced tumours, the downstaging effect may also have potential functional advantages. We herein report a successful case of sphincter‐preserving resection of a low rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumour following neoadjuvant therapy with imatinib.