The application value of fluorescence imaging surgical navigation technology in gastric cancer surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate the application value of fluorescence imaging (FI) surgical navigation technology in gastric cancer surgery, and to clarify its impact on surgery-related outcome indicators, providing high-quality evidence for clinical surgical decision-making.

METHODS

A computer-based search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases to collect controlled studies comparing FI surgical navigation technology with traditional non-fluorescence imaging (No-FI) navigation technology in gastric cancer surgery, published until April 2026. After quality assessment, meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.1 software.

RESULTS

A total of 12 controlled studies were included, involving 1483 patients (683 in the FI group and 800 in the No-FI group). The meta-analysis results showed that compared with the No-FI group, the FI group had a significantly shorter operative time [MD = -11.92, 95% CI (-22.75, -1.10), P = 0.03], hospital stay [MD = -0.26, 95% CI (-0.34, -0.18), P < 0.001], and a significantly greater number of lymph nodes dissected [MD = 5.68, 95% CI (3.83, 7.53), P < 0.001]. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, postoperative time to first flatus, anastomotic leakage rate, or overall postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

The FI surgical navigation technology can significantly increase the number of lymph nodes dissected and also shortens operative time and hospital stay. This procedure offers good clinical application value and warrants clinical promotion.