Short-term outcomes in minimally invasive versus open gastrectomy: the differences between East and West. A systematic review of the literature

• Published in: Gastric cancer : official journal of the International Gastric Cancer Association and the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association Vol. 21; no. 1; pp. 19 - 30
• Main Authors: van der Wielen, Nicole, Straatman, Jennifer, Cuesta, Miguel A., Daams, Freek, van der Peet, Donald L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tokyo Springer Japan 01.01.2018; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Abdominal Surgery; Asian studies; Cancer Research; Gastrectomy; Gastric cancer; Gastroenterology; Literature reviews; Lymph; Lymph nodes; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Mortality; Oncology; Review; Review Article; Surgical Oncology; Systematic review; Gastrectomy; Gastric cancer; Minimally invasive
• ISSN: 1436-3291; 1436-3305
• DOI: 10.1007/s10120-017-0747-0

Objective Minimally invasive surgical techniques for gastric cancer are gaining more interest worldwide. Several Asian studies have proven the benefits of minimally invasive techniques over the open techniques. Nevertheless, implementation of this technique in Western countries is gradual. The aim of this systematic review is to give insight in the differences in outcomes and patient characteristics in Asian countries in comparison to Western countries. Methodology An extensive systematic search was conducted using the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Analysis of the outcomes was performed regarding operative results, postoperative recovery, complications, mortality, lymph node yield, radicality of the resected specimen, and survival. A total of 12 Asian and 8 Western studies were included. Results Minimally invasive gastrectomy shows faster postoperative recovery, fewer complications, and similar outcomes regarding mortality in both the Eastern and Western studies. However, patient characteristics such as age and BMI differ between these populations. Comparison of overall outcomes in minimally invasive and open procedures between East and West showed differences in complications, mortality, and number of resected lymph nodes in favor of the Asian population. Conclusion Improved outcomes are observed following minimally invasive gastrectomy in comparison to open procedures in both Western and Asian studies. There are differences in patient characteristics between the Western and Asian populations. Overall outcomes seem to be in favor of the Asian population. These differences may fade with centralization of care for gastric cancer patients in the West and increasing surgical experience.