OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

METHODSOne hundred and five patients with gastric cancer received laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy, radical total gastrectomy were performed in 7 cases, proximal gastrectomy in 27 cases, proximal gastrectomy combined with splenectomy in 3 cases and distal gastrectomy in 68 cases.

RESULTSOne hundred and five cases had laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy successfully. The mean operation time was 381 +/- 91 (300 - 435) min for total gastrectomy, 279 +/- 73 (212 - 390) min for proximal gastrectomy, 312 +/- 64 (265 - 405) min for proximal gastrectomy combined with splenectomy, 281 +/- 69 (230 - 360) min for distal gastrectomy, respectively. The mean blood loss was 260 +/- 202 (20 - 900) ml in total gastrectomy, 200 +/- 153 (20 - 400) ml in proximal gastrectomy, 333 +/- 116 (200 - 400) ml in proximal gastrectomy combined with splenectomy, 140 +/- 82 (20 - 450) ml in distal gastrectomy, respectively. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 34.2 +/- 20.5 (8 - 83). The mean time for gastrointestinal function recovery was 3.5 +/- 1.4 (2 - 5) days, 3.0 +/- 1.6 (2 - 6) days for patients' taking normal activity, 4.9 +/- 1.7 (3 - 7) days for taking liquid food. The short-term efficiency was obvious.

CONCLUSIONSLaparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy is a feasible and safe surgical procedure combined with minimal trauma and fast recovery.