ObjectiveTo conclude the effect of surgery in the treatment of primary gastrointestinal lymphoma (PGIL) and provide evidence in subsequent studies and treatments in PGIL.MethodThe relevant literatures at home and abroad in recent years about the role of surgery in the treatment of PGIL were reviewed.ResultsCommon clinical strategies included surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and so on. Due to the low incidence, there were few large sample, multi-center, and prospective studies. The surgery was beneficial on relieving the potential risk of complications such as bleeding, perforation, and obstruction. In addition, the surgery provided easy access for direct observation and biopsy. Furthermore, specific pathological stage was necessary for subsequent therapy. For certain PGIL, the indications of surgery became increasingly clear. But it was controversial about treatment strategy of PGIL, especially the effect of surgery.ConclusionThe treatment strategy should be individualized according to the lesion site, pathological type, and clinical stage.