Abstract:Gastrointestinal stromal tumor( GIST) is a rare gastrointestinal tumor, once was mistaken for leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma, schwannolioma or fibrous histiocytoma in the past. The concept of gastrointestinal stromal tumor , not until 1983, was first proposed by observation via electron microscope and immuunohistochemistry by Mazur and Clark. GIST, although rare, is the most common mesenchymal tumor originated from gastrointestinal tract, account for 18% of all mesenchymal tumors, with an approximate annual incidence of 10 to 20 cases per 1 million. The biological characteristics and clinical manifestation of GIST has a potential for malignant transformation. With the growing awareness of gastrointestinal stromal tumor and the continuous improvement of medical level, more and more patients have been diagnosed and moreover, treated by operation and adjunctive molecular targeted therapy in the recent years. Not only traditional surgical treatment, but also laparoscopy treatment, endoscopy treatment, laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative treatment have been accredited and have already achieved good results. However, follow-up of GIST after operation has not yet arouse enough attention, which leads to incomplete follow-up program. Countries made different demands in their respective guidelines, furthermore, a consensus has yet to be reached in the aspect of follow-up. Consequently, a review of follow-up of gastrointestinal stromal tumor is presented.