Objective: A meta-analysis of high-quality clinical studies was performed to compare LAG and open gastrectomy (OG) for AGC. Methods: Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0 software (Cochrane Library). Results: Twenty studies were included in final pooled analysis, 2RCTs and 17 NRCTs, compromising 3,409 patients (1,640 LAG, 1,709 OG). LAG was associated with longer operative time(P<0.001) and lower overall complications(P=0.001), estimated blood loss(P<0.001) and hospital stay(P<0.001). There were no significant differences between two groups in number of lymph node dissection (P=0.65), overall complication (P=0.86), a 5-year overall survival rate (P=0.53) and 5-year recurrence-free survival (P=0.07). Conclusion: Despite a longer operation time, LAG is a safe technical alternative to OG for AGC with a lower complication rate and enhanced postoperative recovery. Moreover, the oncologic outcomes of LAG for AGC patients were comparable with open approach.