Laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer

1 Guidance

1.1 Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer appears adequate to support the use of this procedure, provided that normal arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit.

1.2 This procedure is technically demanding. Surgeons undertaking it should have specific training and special expertise in laparoscopic surgical techniques, and should perform their initial procedures with an experienced mentor.

1.3 Patient selection and management should be carried out in the context of a multidisciplinary team with established experience in the treatment of gastric cancer.