Role of Laparoscopy in Assessment of Resectability and Resection of Gastric Cancer

Treatment options for gastric cancer (GC) are based on tumor staging. Although only surgery provides improved survival, resection should be avoided in the presence of intra-abdominal disease (liver, peritoneal, or non-local lymph node metastases). The aim of the study to clarify laparoscopy role in management of gastric cancer either for complete resection of the tumor in respectable cases or to detect irresectable cases. 30 patients with Gastric cancer who presented to surgical oncology unit in Al-Azhar University hospitals were divided into two groups to compare open versus laparoscopic gastrectomy. The sensitivity of laparoscopy for detection of distant metastases was 88.1%, specificity 100% and accuracy 95.7%, sensitivity of laparoscopy for detection of peritoneal metastases was 88.3%, specificity 100% and accuracy 95.4%, sensitivity of laparoscopy for detection of Lymph node metastases was 55.2%, specificity 100% and accuracy 66.1%. Laparoscopy use especially staging laparoscopy in gastric cancer complements preoperative imaging studies characterized by their limited ability to identify regional extension of the primary tumors and/or metastatic/peritoneal disease.