Objective To evaluate the safety and effect of local resection of the duodenum for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs). Methods In this study, 12 duodenal GIST cases in which tumors located more than 1.0 cm away from the major duodenal papilla, underwent simple local resection of the duodenum along with the tumors measuring at 4 cm in diameter or less. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Results After simple local resection of the duodenum for GISTs, no stomal leak occurred and the margin was all negative. Pathologically tumors were all low risk grade. There was no recurrence during a follow-up of 9-38 months. Conclusions Local resection of the duodenum is safe and efficient in the treatment of duodenal GISTs should the tumors locat more than 1.0 cm away from the papilla.