Minimally Invasive Techniques for Gastrectomy

Surgery is the only curative treatment for patients with gastric cancer and entails either a total or a subtotal gastrectomy. A successful oncologic operation ensures adequately lymphadenectomy (16 lymph nodes) and negative margin. Compared with open operations, robotic surgery has several advantages for the surgeon (eg, improved surgeon dexterity, improved mobility in tight spaces, and threedimensional vision) and the patient (faster postoperative recovery, decreased postoperative pain, and less blood loss). There is a learning curve with any new operative technique but standardization of technique and structured training programs can shorten this learning curve for both the surgeon and support staff. When appropriate, robotic surgery at a high-volume institution should be encouraged for patients with gastric cancer.