Early experience of laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy in resectable advanced gastric cancer: a single-center analysis

Background Although laparoscopic gastrectomy has been in use for more than 20 years, there was great suspicion for its technical feasibility, ability to achieve successful reconstruction of the digestive tract, and oncological safety. However, with recent advancements of laparoscopic surgical instruments and the accumulation of operative experience, laparoscopic gastrectomy becomes more feasible. Objective The study was designed to present our initial experience of laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy. Patients and methods This was a single-center study. Data was recorded and retrospectively analyzed from September 2017 to August 2022. All patients were admitted for gastrectomy of proved distal gastric malignancy through our outpatient clinics at Menoufia University Hospital were evaluated for eligibility. Cases of emergent operation and obvious locally advanced disease were excluded, and 32 cases underwent laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy. Results The study consisted of 21 (65%) male and 11 (35%) female patients, with a mean age of 57 +/- 11 years (range, 45-77 years). Mean operative time was 220 +/- 19min (range, 185-255min). The amount of blood loss was about (200 +/- 96ml). Clear fluids were started 72h after surgery and soft diet allowed after 4 days. The mean length of the hospital stay was 7.7 days. Conclusion In selected patients, laparoscopic gastrectomy is a safe, feasible, respectable option, and an effective method and is oncologically comparable to open gastrectomy for our center.