Comparison of short-term outcomes of robotic-assisted and laparoscopic-assisted D2 gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a meta-analysis

Aim The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes of robot-assisted (RAGD2) and laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy (LAGD2) for patients with gastric cancer. Material and methods Relevant articles published up to September 2020 were searched. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was used to pool continuous variables, while risk ratio (RR) was calculated for dichotomous outcomes. Results RAGD2 required a longer operating time (WMD = 29.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): 15.97-43.59) and had less operative blood loss (WMD = -31.93, 95% CI: -44.03 to -19.83), shorter time to first flatus (WMD = -0.13, 95% CI: -0.22 to -0.04), shorter time to liquid diet (WMD = -0.20, 95% CI: -0.28 to 0.12), and fewer severe complications (RR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43-0.90) and overall complications (RR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62-0.91) than LAGD2. Conclusions RAGD2 could be beneficial in reducing operative blood loss and postoperative complications relative to LAGD2.