Indocyanine Green (ICG) in Robotic Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Review of Lymphadenectomy Outcomes for Gastric Cancer

Simple Summary Radical gastrectomy is pivotal for gastric cancer treatment with guidelines advocating for the dissection of at least 16 lymph nodes. However, the optimal number is debated, with some suggesting over 30 nodes. This research assessed the efficacy of ICG-guided robotic gastrectomy (an MIS technique) in ensuring thorough lymph node dissection. Analyzing data from 393 stage II or III gastric cancer patients, the study found that ICG-guided robotic surgery significantly increased the chances of achieving proper lymphadenectomy. This suggests its potential as a promising surgical approach for selected gastric cancer cases.Abstract Radical gastrectomy is essential for gastric cancer treatment. While guidelines advise dissecting at least 16 lymph nodes, some research suggests over 30 nodes might be beneficial. This study assessed ICG-guided robotic gastrectomy's effectiveness in thorough lymph node dissection. We analyzed data from 393 stage II or III gastric cancer patients treated at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital from 2016-2022. Patients were categorized into conventional laparoscopy (G1, n = 288), ICG-guided laparoscopy (G2, n = 61), and ICG-guided robotic surgery (G3, n = 44). Among 391 patients, 308 (78.4%) achieved proper lymphadenectomy. The ICG-robotic group (G3) showed the highest success rate at 90.9%. ICG-guided robotic surgery was a significant predictor for achieving proper lymphadenectomy, with an odds ratio of 3.151. In conclusion, ICG-robotic gastrectomy improves lymphadenectomy outcomes in selected gastric cancer cases, indicating a promising surgical approach for the future.

Automated summary

ICG-guided robotic gastrectomy improves the chances of achieving proper lymphadenectomy in gastric cancer cases, suggesting its potential as a promising surgical approach.