GEP–NETS UPDATE: A review on surgery of gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Abstract

The incidence of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has increased in the last decades. Surgical treatment encompasses a panel of approaches ranging from conservative procedures to extended surgical resection. Tumor size and localization usually represent the main drivers in the choice of the most appropriate surgical resection. In the presence of small (<2 cm) and asymptomatic nonfunctioning NETs, a conservative treatment is usually recommended. For localized NETs measuring above 2 cm, surgical resection represents the cornerstone in the management of these tumors. As they are relatively biologically indolent, an extended resection is often justified also in the presence of advanced NETs. Surgical options for NET liver metastases range from limited resection up to liver transplantation. Surgical choices for metastatic NETs need to consider the extent of disease, the grade of tumor, and the presence of extra-abdominal disease. Any surgical procedures should always be balanced with the benefit of survival or relieving symptoms and patients' comorbidities.