Four trials were included in the review (n=162 patients, range 28 to 59). The quality of trials (overall) was described as being poor (mean score 2.7 out of 5).
Laparoscopic surgery was associated with significantly less intraoperative blood loss than open surgery (WMD -104.3mL, 95%CI -189.0 to -19.5; four trials), but with a longer operating time (WMD 83.1 minutes, 95% CI 40.5 to 125.6; four trials). There was a significant reduction in lymph nodes harvesting (WMD -4.3, 95% CI -6.7 to -2.0; four trials). The blood loss and operating time analyses were found to have statistically significant tests for heterogeneity.
There were no significant differences between types of operation for the following outcomes: time to commencement of oral intake, length of hospital stay, rate of complications, mortality rate, and tumour recurrence (all included four trials). The time to commencement of oral intake and length of hospital stay outcomes were found to have statistically significant tests for heterogeneity.