Role of laparoscopic surgery in cancer of stomach: Our early experience

Purpose: To study the clinical outcome and scope of laparoscopic management in patients of cancer stomach. Methods: This is a prospective study of our first 25 patients of cancer stomach managed laparoscopically. Following procedures were undertaken: 1) Gastric resection in resectable cases; 2) Palliative bypass; 3) Tumor/ nodal/ peritoneal/ any other/ biopsy in cases of unresectable tumors. Results: Growth was resectable in 10 (40%) patients, and unresectable in 15 (60%) patients. Diagnostic laparoscopy had sensitivity of 100%, while other modalities of investigation were not totally useful in 1/3 to ½ of cases. Laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy was done in 5 (20%) patients, laparoscopy assisted distal partial gastrectomy was performed in 8 (32%) patients while totally laparoscopic gastrectomy was possible in 1 (4%) patient. Long term follow up was observed. Conclusion: In cancer stomach laparoscopy is a safe, effective, and cost effective means of directing appropriate therapy especially in patients requiring diagnostic, staging and palliative procedures