Laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: initial Egyptian experience at the National Cancer Institute

Evaluating the safety of robotic total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer against the conventional laparoscopic approach: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Gastric cancer poses a significant global health challenge, necessitating effective surgical interventions. A critical gap in the literature exists, as most studies do not differentiate between various surgical approaches, i.e., total, distal, and subtotal gastrectomy, and level of lymphadenectomy, when comparing robotic to conventional laparoscopic gastrectomy. This leads to a lack of clear evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of robotic total gastrectomy (RTG) specifically in the context of total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy.This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the safety of RTG with D2 lymphadenectomy compared to conventional laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG). A literature search was conducted up to November 1, 2024, following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included studies comparing RTG and LTG, focusing on anastomotic leakage, Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥ III complications, conversion rates, mortality, overall complications, and reoperation rates. Data were synthesized using odds ratios (OR) and weighted mean differences (WMD), with statistical heterogeneity assessed using the I2 statistic. Five studies comprising 1131 patients (432 RTG, 700 LTG) were included. No significant differences were found in the following outcomes: anastomotic leakage (OR = 0.79 [95% CI: 0.35, 1.78], I2 = 0%, P = 0.57), Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥ III complications (OR = 0.86 [95% CI: 0.51, 1.45], I2 = 0%, P = 0.56), conversion to open surgery (OR = 0.34 [95% CI: 0.10, 1.18], I2 = 0%, P = 0.09), mortality (OR = 1.78 [95% CI: 0.23, 13.48], I2 = 0%, P = 0.58), overall complications (OR = 0.84 [95% CI: 0.62, 1.14], I2 = 0%, P = 0.26), and reoperation rates (OR = 0.88 [95% CI: 0.29, 2.67], I2 = 0%, P = 0.82). Sensitivity analysis proves the robustness of the findings. The analysis shows no significant differences in safety outcomes between RTG and LTG for gastric cancer, indicating both techniques are comparable. RTG may be a viable alternative to LTG, especially in centers with appropriate robotic capabilities. Further research is warranted to investigate long-term outcomes and the learning curve of robotic surgery.PROSPERO Registration: CRD42024606570.

Comparison of short-term outcomes of robotic-assisted and laparoscopic-assisted D2 gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a meta-analysis

Aim

The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes of robot-assisted (RAGD2) and laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy (LAGD2) for patients with gastric cancer.

Material and methods

Relevant articles published up to September 2020 were searched. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was used to pool continuous variables, while risk ratio (RR) was calculated for dichotomous outcomes.

Results

RAGD2 required a longer operating time (WMD = 29.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): 15.97-43.59) and had less operative blood loss (WMD = -31.93, 95% CI: -44.03 to -19.83), shorter time to first flatus (WMD = -0.13, 95% CI: -0.22 to -0.04), shorter time to liquid diet (WMD = -0.20, 95% CI: -0.28 to 0.12), and fewer severe complications (RR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43-0.90) and overall complications (RR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62-0.91) than LAGD2.

Conclusions

RAGD2 could be beneficial in reducing operative blood loss and postoperative complications relative to LAGD2.

Laparoscopic Gastrectomy with D2 Lymphadenectomy for pT1a Adenocarcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies, associated with a high mortality and morbidity rate, especially in the elderly, the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in Europe. Although the rate of diagnosis has declined in recent years, the prognosis of the disease and the mortality rate is still quite high. Laparoscopic surgery, accompanied by lymphadenectomy, is a curative method of treatment, used more and more frequently, especially in Eastern countries, both in the incipient disease and in advanced stages of the disease, which has many advantages over classical surgery.

We report the case of an 86-year-old man, who presented for marked physical asthenia, weight loss and severe anemia, in whom we performed laparoscopic distal radical gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Histopathological examination established the diagnosis of low-grade / well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma G1 (WHO) / intestinal carcinoma (Lauren), with invasion in the lamina propria, developed on an intestinal-type adenoma. 21 lymph nodes were taken without tumor invasion.

This case highlights the complexity of laparoscopic intervention, with the proven advantages for the patient, like reduced surgical trauma and pain, with the decrease of postoperative complications, but also the difficulty of the surgical technique which requires advanced laparoscopic skills. Thus, in addition to its proven efficacy in cases of early gastric cancer, the technique can be extended to advanced malignancies, without affecting the oncological safety limit.