Comparison of the cost and outcomes following totally laparoscopic and laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomies for gastric cancer: a single-institution comparison

Objective This study aimed to compare the short-term surgical outcomes and cost–benefits following totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) and laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) for the treatment of gastric cancer. Methods Between April 2007 and December 2013, a total of 100 patients with gastric cancer underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. The patients were classified into two groups according to whether intracorporeal anastomosis or extracorporeal anastomosis had been performed. The comparison between the groups was based on clinicopathological characteristics and surgical and economic outcomes. Results There were 57 and 43 patients who underwent TLDG and LADG, respectively. The patients’ demographics and tumor characteristics did not show any statistically significant differences with the exception for tumor location. In the LADG group, tumors were localized to relatively higher positions ( p = 0.024) and received Roux-en-Y reconstruction more frequently ( p