Laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the potential benefits and harms of laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer versus open surgery.

A comprehensive search for randomized controlled studies that compared laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer published until December 31, 2018, was conducted. Operative outcomes, early postoperative outcomes, and long-term results were analyzed using a random effects model.

Five randomized controlled trials containing a collective total of 2157 patients were included. In comparison with open surgery, laparoscopic gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer showed similar risks of short-term mortality and serious adverse events within 30 days after surgery. Regarding intraoperative outcomes, operative time was increased for the laparoscopic approach, whereas the estimated intraoperative blood loss tended to be less. However, the amount of evidence was low for most outcomes. In addition, the results for the length of hospital stay and time to first flatus did not show statistically significant differences. The number of harvested lymph nodes and compliance with D2 lymphadenectomy did not significantly differ between the two groups, indicating oncological equivalence of both approaches. However, long-term oncological results could not be evaluated due to a lack of relevant data in four of the trials.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy can be performed with equivalent overall short-term morbidity and mortality versus the open approach for locally advanced gastric cancer. However, further well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary to assess the possible advantages and risks of the laparoscopic approach as well as the long-term results.