Minimally invasive lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: Could the robotic approach provide any benefits than laparoscopy?

Abstract

Gastrectomy is the cornerstone of treatment for gastric cancer. Since the introduction of minimally invasive techniques, the main challenge for surgeons has been to achieve the same surgical radicality, adequate lymphadenectomy, and negative resection margins as with the open approach. Previous Eastern trials showed non-inferiority of laparoscopic gastrectomy, whereas Western trials reported a higher number of complications. This may depend on the different eligibility criteria to select patients and surgeons. Currently, the increased availability of robotic systems has led to renewed enthusiasm. We present a critical review of published randomized control trials (up to October 2024) to investigate the real benefits of robotic compared to open and laparoscopic approaches. Robotic gastrectomy has shown similar oncological outcomes in survival and lymph node retrieval, particularly in suprapancreatic stations, with the advantage of a more acceptable rate of pancreatic fistula and feasible anastomotic reconstruction. Some clinical situations, such as postchemotherapy interstitial fibrosis and distortion of anatomical planes, may increase the technical difficulty. Only four published trials assessed the implications of a pre-operative therapy, with no robotic surgery cases. Robotic systems may reduce intraoperative blood loss, the risk of conversion and allow more extensive lymphadenectomies in cancers with a high risk of extraperigastric metastases, or with clinically proven para-aortic node metastases, although clinical trials evaluating robotic gastrectomy after neoadjuvant therapy have not yet been published.

Keywords: Gastric cancer; Laparoscopic gastrectomy; Lymphadenectomy; Neoadjuvant; Randomized control trial; Robotic gastrectomy.

Figure 1

Robotic dissection of para-aortic nodes No. 16. A: Station 16a2; B: Under the left renal vein; C: Station 16b1; D: Complete dissection.

Figure 2

Robotic dissection of common hepatic artery and lymph node station No. 8. A: Intraoperative frame; B: Design.

Figure 3

Surgical experience required to have been a participant in published trials on robotic gastric surgery. JSES: Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery; JSGS: Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery; RDG: Robotic distal gastrectomy; RTG: Robotic total gastrectomy.