Laparoscopy-Assisted D2 Radical Gastrectomy for Advanced Gastric Cancer.

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and advantages of laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) with D2 lymphadenectomy versus conventional open D2 gastrectomy (ODG) in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients. Methodology: From June 2009 to June 2014, 233 patients who were treated by conventional radical ODG and 188 cases who underwent radical LAG for AGC at our department were enrolled in this study. Clinical data recorded in hospital database was retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences in age, gender or preoperative laboratory tests distribution between the LAG group and the ODG group. Two (1%) of the patients who underwent LAG required conversion to ODG. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery including earlier recovery of bowel movements and shorter postoperative hospitalization time were observed in LAG group. The number of harvested lymph nodes was 24.3 +/- 3.3 in the LAG group and 25.0 +/- 2.8 in ODG (p = 0.110). Conclusions: Although prospective randomized trials with long follow-up period are needed to identify the feasibility, we have shown the safety and advantages of LAG with D2 lymphadenectomy for treating AGC patients in this study.