ObjectiveTo explore the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs). MethodsClinical and pathological data of the 32 GISTs cases treated over the recent 5 years in our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. ResultsStomach was the most frequent site for GISTs. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom. Before operation, 81.3%(26/32) of the cases were misdiagnosed. All of the cases underwent surgical resection. 10 recurrent GIST patients received a second resection, and 8 patients underwantthree or more resections. Follow-up was made from six months to 5 years, and 8 patients died. ConclusionsThe diagnosis of GISTs is difficult and mainly depends on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Surgical resection is the principal treatment of GISTs. Reoperation is effective for the treatment of recurrent cases.