Laparoscopic surgical resection for early gastric cancer.

This paper provides an overview of the current status of laparoscopic resection for early gastric cancer. According to many case-control studies, laparoscopic gastrectomy is feasible and safe, and in comparison with conventional open gastrectomy is associated with less pain, a quicker recovery of gastrointestinal function, and a better postoperative quality of life, with no negative influence on survival. Large randomized controlled trials of laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy are needed to establish the future role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of patients with gastric cancer.