Evolution of functional preserving gastrectomy: where are we today?

Function‑preserving gastrectomy has gained popularity in recent times for having less postoperative morbidity while able to maintain the oncological efficacy of conventional gastrec-tomies. Articles obtained from online databases through PubMed using keywords "function-preser-ving surgery" "pylorus‑preserving surgery" "proximal gastrectomy" and "fluorescence-guided surgery". The evolution of gastrectomies was aimed to improve the patients′ overall outcome, including onco-logy, safety, quality of life, and functional performance. It was traditionally believed that extensive resection of tissues surrounding the primary tumour would give the best possible outcomes. However, with the help of technology today, more evidence has surfaced proving that it is no longer necessary. Oncological safety studies have shown that limited lymph node resection is adequate in early gastric cancer. Technology aid has come a long way to complement how to approach oncology surgery. Improved optics and display technology have increased the adoption of more minimally invasive surgery. Fluorescence‑guided surgery has further complemented surgeons with real‑time information for better on‑table decisions. Clinical practice guidelines are now recommending function-preser-ving surgery as part of an accepted surgical option with detailed indications. A few ongoing studies further strengthen the evidence to suggest that functional-preserving surgery is a reliable choice to improve overall outcome for patient care in early gastric cancer.