Research progress of minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer

Since the first laparoscopic radical surgery for early gastric cancer 30 years ago, there has been a gradual shift from "open" to "minimally invasive" surgery for gastric cancer. This transition is due to advancements in refined anatomy, enlarged field of view, faster recovery, and comparable oncological outcomes. Several high-quality clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopy in the treatment of both early and locally advanced gastric cancer. The role of perioperative chemotherapy in managing locally advanced gastric cancer has been widely recognized, and there have been continuous breakthroughs in the exploration of targeted therapy and immunotherapy for perioperative treatment. Additionally, the application of indocyanine green near-infrared imaging technology, 3D laparoscopic technology, and robotic surgery systems has further improved the accuracy and minimally invasive nature of gastric cancer surgeries. Looking ahead, the field of minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer is expected to become more standardized, resulting in a significant enhancement in the quality of life for gastric cancer patients.