Comparison between total laparoscopy and laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A meta-analysis based on Japanese and Korean articles.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety and feasibility of total laparoscopy distal gastrectomy (TLDG).


METHODS
This meta-analysis was conducted between April and July 2013 in Sichuan Cancer Hospital, Chengdu, China. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database updated until May 2013. Eight retrospective studies and one prospective study involving 2,046 total patients were included.


RESULTS
The results showed that TLDG was associated with lower blood loss (mean difference=-22.39, p=0.04). and a greater number of harvested lymph nodes (mean difference=2.74, p=0.02). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in operation time, time to first flatus, length of postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy, TLDG resulted in reduced blood loss, and a greater number of harvested lymph nodes. Total laparoscopy distal gastrectomy is safe and feasible for gastric cancer.
Department of Gastro-Hepatic Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital, Chengdu, China. E-mail. xiaoshumeng2010@163.com.
Shuo-Meng
SM
Xiao
Xiao-Jin
XJ
Gao
Ping
P
Zhao
D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D005743:Gastrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000601:surgery*; D061646:Operative Time; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D056910:Republic of Korea; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*