The usefulness of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy in comparison with that of open distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer

Background. The technique of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) was developed for early gastric cancer, but its feasibility and the associated clinical outcome remain unclear. Methods. We reviewed 24 patients who underwent LADG (LADG group) and 35 patients who underwent traditional open distal gastrectomy (ODG group) for early gastric cancer in our hospital, and compared the clinical data of the two groups. Results. The clinical and pathological backgrounds of the patients in the two groups were similar. The duration of surgery was not significantly different between the two groups, but the blood loss in the LADG group was significantly less than that in the ODG group. The number of removed lymph nodes was not significantly different between the two groups. The times to the first passing of flatus, first walking, and the restarting of oral intake; the length of hospital stay; and the duration of epidural analgesia were significantly shorter in the LADG group. The morbidity rate in the LADG group was lower than that in the ODG group. Conclusions. LADG is a safe and minimally invasive surgical technique, after which we can expect a faster recovery. Received: February 23, 2001 / Accepted: June 19, 2001