A propensity score-matching analysis comparing the oncological outcomes of laparoscopic and open gastrectomy in patients with gastric carcinoma.

PURPOSE To compare the oncological outcomes of patients with laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy with those with open resection to remove nonmetastatic gastric cancer. METHODS A total of 532 patients were initially enrolled. Propensity score matching was applied to assemble a study cohort. The primary objective was overall survival (OS). Cancer-specific survival (CSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were secondary objectives. RESULTS A total of 388 patients were matched for analysis. The morbidity, number of lymph nodes harvested and surgical margins were similar between the two groups. OS following laparoscopic gastrectomy was similar to open resection. Neither CSS nor DFS following laparoscopic gastrectomy was inferior compared with open resection Conclusion: Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer is feasible and safe with acceptable oncological outcomes. Further prospective multicenter trials are warranted before incorporating laparoscopic gastrectomy into routine surgical practice.