Updates on Safety and Efficacy of Robotic Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review | [Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Yasir Mehmood: Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

2. Pakeeza Shafiq: Department of Surgery (Radiology Division), Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

3. Ghadah Ageel Almiglad: College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

4. Dhay Ayed Alruwaili: College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

5. Asil Saqr Alenezi: College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

6. Ahlam Khulaif Alruwaili: College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

7. Ibtihal Mnwer Alanazi: College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

8. Danah Sabbar M. Almotrafi: College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

9. Muzun Fahad G. Alrawili: College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

Background: Robotic distal gastrectomy (RDG) has emerged as an advanced minimally invasive technique for the treatment of gastric cancer. While it offers potential advantages over conventional approaches, questions remain regarding its safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcomes associated with RDG, including complication rates, recovery times and mortality. Methods: A systematic search of four electronic databases identified 512 articles. After duplicate removal using Rayyan QCRI and relevance screening, 32 full-text articles were reviewed. Ultimately, four studies met the inclusion criteria based on PRISMA guidelines. Data extracted included demographic information, complication and mortality rates and postoperative recovery outcomes. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the ROBINS-I and Cochrane risk of bias tools. Results: The four included studies involved 1,184 patients who underwent RDG, of whom 740 (62.5%) were male. The prevalence of postoperative complications ranged from 0% to 18.3%, with an overall rate of 8.8% (n = 105). Two studies reported zero mortality. Clinical findings suggested RDG reduces blood loss, shortens hospital stays and facilitates faster recovery. These benefits were consistently observed across Asian institutions. However, high equipment and procedural costs remain significant limitations, especially in complex cases and settings with limited access to robotic platforms. Conclusion: RDG demonstrates promising clinical outcomes for gastric cancer surgery, particularly in terms of patient recovery and postoperative safety. Despite its advantages, the high cost of robotic systems limits widespread implementation. Future research should emphasize cost-effectiveness, long-term oncological outcomes and broader international applicability to strengthen RDG's position in standard surgical practice.

Page(s): 1-6

DOI: 10.47310/jpms2025140601

Published: Journal: Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences, Volume: 14, Issue: 6, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Systematic review , Gastric cancer , Minimally invasive surgery , Surgical outcomes , Robotic distal gastrectomy

References:

[1] Woo . .Robotic gastrectomy as an oncologically sound alternative to laparoscopic resections for the treatment of early-stage gastric cancers. ” Archives of Surgery, 146(2011) : 1086-1092.

[2] Jørgensen .2016 .Evaluation of the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized clinical trials: overview of published comments and analysis of user practice in Cochrane and non-Cochrane reviews. ” Systematic Reviews, 5 : .

[3] Moher ,January .2015 .Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement. Systematic Reviews, 4 : .

[4] Kossenas ,December .2024 .Robotic vs laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with Billroth I and II reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ” Journal of Robotic Surgery, 19(1) : .

Citations

Downloads

Views