Takeaway: Laparoscopic vs. open gastrectomy (LG vs. OG) is associated with a lower complication rate and higher survival in elderly patients (age ≥ 80 years) with gastric cancer.
Major finding: Elderly patients who received LG vs. OG had lower blood loss (40 vs. 240 g; P < .01) and incidence of overall postoperative complications (29% vs. 53%; P < .05). The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was significantly higher in the LG vs. OG elderly group (93% vs. 78%; P < .05). Elderly vs. nonelderly patients who received LG had a significantly lower 5-year overall survival rate (67% vs. 87%; P < .01).
Study details: This retrospective study included patients with gastric cancer who received curative gastrectomy between 2003 and 2015 and were divided into three groups, elderly patients who received LG (n = 45) and OG (n = 43) and nonelderly patients who received LG (n = 329).
Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Source: Ueda Y et al. Technical and oncological safety of laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer in elderly patients ≥ 80 years old. BMC Geriatr. 2022;22:475 (Jun 2). Doi: 10.1186/s12877-022-03180-7