ObjectiveTo compare the effect and safety between laparoscopic versus laparotomy D2 radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. MethodsTwo hundred and seventeen patients with advanced gastric cancer who were treated in our hospital from March 2011 to March 2014 were selected as research objects. According to surgical method, they were divided into laparoscopy group (103 patients received laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy) and laparotomy group (114 patients received laparotomy D2 radical gastrectomy). Comparison of the surgical effect-related indicators between 2 groups was performed. ResultsIn the aspect of intra-operative indicators:the operation time, proximal margin length, distal margin length, and the number of removal lymph node between the 2 groups did not significantly differed with each other (P>0.05); while the bleeding volume and the length of incision in laparoscopy group were significantly less (shorter) than those of laparotomy group (P<0.05). In the aspect of post-operative indicators:the time to first flatus, time to resumed oral intake, time to ambulation, post-operative hospital stay, time of analgesics given, and the total incidence of postoperative complication in laparoscopy group were significantly shorter (less or lower) than those of laparotomy group (P<0.05), the operating cost in laparoscopy group was significantly higher than that of the laparotomy group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in total treatment cost, mortality of gastric cancer, and recurrence or metastasis rate between the 2 groups (P>0.05). ConclusionsBoth laparoscopic and laparotomy D2 radical gastrectomy in treatment of advanced gastric cancer can obtain good clinical effect. But compared with laparotomy D2 radical gastrectomy, laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy can reduce operative wound, reduce incidence of complications, improve postoperative recovery, and has higher safety.