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 1,483 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 = 6.02, 95% CI (4.16, 7.89), 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 increases the number of lymph nodes dissected and shortens the operative time, hospital stay, showing good clinical application value and warranting clinical promotion.