Clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes of remnant gastric cancer: a comparative study of minimally invasive approaches

BACKGROUND: Remnant gastric cancer (RGC), a malignancy arising in the gastric stump after partial gastrectomy, presents unique diagnostic and surgical challenges. The aim of the study is to recognize the clinicopathologic characteristics of the florescent (FL) and non-FL groups in RGC patients. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes of 68 patients with RGC from 2014 to 2024 who underwent curative resection, comparing two distinct minimally invasive surgical approaches: the FL group (N.=31) and the non-FL group (N.=37). Baseline demographics, prior gastrectomy history, and tumor characteristics were comparable between the two cohorts. RESULTS: The only statistically significant difference observed was in the operation method, with the FL group showing a significantly higher proportion of robotic-assisted surgery (61.3% vs. 24.3%, P=0.002). Although the FL group had a longer mean operation time (275.0 vs. 251.7 minutes, P=0.163), it demonstrated favorable trends toward lower estimated blood loss (100 vs. 120 mL, P=0.098) and shorter hospital stay (6 vs. 7 days, P=0.089). Postoperative complication rates and mortality were similar and acceptable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that while the FL approach, characterized by a higher utilization of robotic technology, is associated with a longer operative duration, it may offer marginal benefits in perioperative metrics for the complex surgery of RGC, underscoring the feasibility and safety of advanced minimally invasive techniques in this challenging patient population.