title: Comparison of short outcomes between laparoscopic and experienced robotic gastrectomy: A meta-analysis and systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the short-term outcomes between experienced robotic gastrectomy (RG) and laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG).
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the PubMed, Springer Link, Elsevier, and Embase databases for articles published in English before June 2015 using an electronic literature search and including cross-referenced articles. Three studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. The outcomes evaluated were operation time, estimated blood loss, harvested lymph nodes, complication, and postoperative hospital stay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of a total of 562 patients, 165 underwent RG and 397 underwent LG. Operation time was significantly longer in the RG group [weighted mean difference (WMD): 21.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 12.48-30.50, P< 0.00001). Estimated blood loss, harvested lymph nodes, complication, and postoperative hospital stay were similar between the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Experienced RG has similar short-term outcomes to LG that is performed by sophisticated laparoscopic surgeons, except for operation time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
authors.forename: Zhanyu
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
authors.forename: Yinghua
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu