Can Stomach Cancer Be Treated with Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery (such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery) has advanced rapidly in recent years. However, it is not suitable for all stomach cancer patients.
- Early-stage gastric cancer: If the cancer is confined to the inner lining of the stomach and the risk of peritoneal seeding (cancer spread within the abdominal cavity) is low, minimally invasive surgery is often recommended.
- Locally advanced gastric cancer: If the tumor has penetrated through the stomach wall or invaded nearby organs, laparoscopic surgery may compromise oncologic outcomes and potentially reduce survival rates. In such cases, open surgery is generally preferred, and minimally invasive approaches are not routinely recommended.
Treatment Recommendations by Stage
Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are crucial in managing gastric cancer effectively.
- Early-stage disease (no distant metastasis): Endoscopic resection can be curative. Procedures like endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) offer excellent outcomes with lower cost, shorter recovery time, and fewer complications.
- Locally advanced disease: Treatment typically involves surgery as the cornerstone, combined with a multidisciplinary approach—including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, traditional Chinese medicine (as supportive care), and psychological support—to improve survival and quality of life.
- Chemotherapy plays a key role:
- Given before (neoadjuvant), during, or after (adjuvant) surgery to eliminate micrometastases and prolong survival.
- For advanced or metastatic cases, palliative chemotherapy helps slow tumor progression and provides symptomatic relief, offering meaningful short-term benefits.
Dietary Guidance for Gastric Cancer Patients
Before surgery:
Patients should consume liquid or easily digestible foods to help prepare the gastrointestinal tract while meeting nutritional needs.
After surgery:
If recovery progresses smoothly, dietary reintroduction follows a stepwise approach:
- Start with clear liquids (e.g., broth, diluted juices),
- Advance to full liquids and soft foods (e.g., congee, blended soups, smooth porridge),
- Gradually transition to soft solid foods (e.g., well-cooked noodles, mashed vegetables),
- Eventually resume a balanced, regular diet as tolerated.
General dietary principles:
- Focus on light, nutrient-dense, and easily digestible meals.
- Prioritize high-protein, high-calorie liquids to support healing—such as fish soup, bone broth, rice porridge, soft noodles, and thin congee.
- Ensure adequate hydration and small, frequent meals to aid digestion and absorption.
Note: Nutritional support is a critical part of recovery. Work closely with your medical team or a registered dietitian to tailor a plan that meets your individual needs.