Innovations in Gastric Cancer Surgery During Early Minimally Invasive Era and Future Perspectives

ABSTRACT The landscape of gastric cancer surgery has undergone remarkable transformation, evolving from traditional open procedures to the modern era of live‐streamed minimally invasive operations. This evolution owes much to pioneering surgeons who have continued to expand the boundaries of innovation. Over recent decades, the field has progressed from the introduction of laparoscopic techniques to the refinement of lymphadenectomy, while surgeons have simultaneously integrated insights from tumor biology, advanced instrumentation, and data analytics to improve decision‐making and precision. Progress has been fueled by extensive clinical experience and collaborative multicenter trials that provide evidence‐based guidance for clinical practice. With continuing revelations in tumor biology and the emergence of artificial intelligence, new horizons for surgical innovation are opening. At the center of this transformative journey stands the innovative surgeon, driven by passion, guided by data, and steadfast in the commitment to patient safety and quality of life. The surgeon of the future will lead multicenter collaborations, integrating technology and biology to optimize outcomes and continually advance the standards of gastric cancer surgery.