Evolution of laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer in the East and West.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy has evolved differently in Eastern and Western countries. Feasibility, safety and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy were addressed step-by-step by several randomized controlled trials from the East. Few phase III studies were published from the West that largely did not show a difference between the laparoscopic and open approach. Despite this, laparoscopic gastrectomy is seen as the standard for the surgical treatment of early and advanced gastric cancer in many European countries. Here, we review and comment on some important studies on laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer from Eastern and Western countries and also comment on current and future challenges.