Georgios D Lianos1, Natasha Hasemaki2, Georgios K Glantzounis3, Michail Mitsis3, Stefano Rausei4. 1. Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Ioannina and University of Ioannina, Ioannina, 45110, Greece; Department of Surgery, General Hospital of Preveza, Preveza, Greece. Electronic address: georgiolianos@yahoo.gr. 2. Department of Surgery, General Hospital of Preveza, Preveza, Greece. 3. Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Ioannina and University of Ioannina, Ioannina, 45110, Greece. 4. Department of Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is reported to be the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Minimally invasive surgical treatment for gastric cancer is a very challenging approach which offers undoubtedly important advantages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There is intense debate concerning the minimally invasive surgical approach for advanced gastric cancer especially in the Western population. A careful literature search was conducted in order to clarify the feasibility and safety of pure laparoscopic total gastrectomy in the West. RESULTS: Herewith we aim to summarize the current scientific evidence assessing the feasibility and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer in the West. A lack of data from Western institutions regarding minimally invasive surgical approach for gastric cancer is yet a reality. Nevertheless, the laparoscopic procedure appears to provide satisfactory short-term oncologic outcomes and improved postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSION: It is obvious that future well-conducted trials on long-term results are necessary for Western patients in order safe conclusions to be reached regarding a potential definitive 'place' for laparoscopy in the curative gastric cancer treatment.
BACKGROUND:Gastric cancer is reported to be the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Minimally invasive surgical treatment for gastric cancer is a very challenging approach which offers undoubtedly important advantages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There is intense debate concerning the minimally invasive surgical approach for advanced gastric cancer especially in the Western population. A careful literature search was conducted in order to clarify the feasibility and safety of pure laparoscopic total gastrectomy in the West. RESULTS: Herewith we aim to summarize the current scientific evidence assessing the feasibility and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer in the West. A lack of data from Western institutions regarding minimally invasive surgical approach for gastric cancer is yet a reality. Nevertheless, the laparoscopic procedure appears to provide satisfactory short-term oncologic outcomes and improved postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSION: It is obvious that future well-conducted trials on long-term results are necessary for Western patients in order safe conclusions to be reached regarding a potential definitive 'place' for laparoscopy in the curative gastric cancer treatment.