The theory behind using sentinel node mapping and biopsy in gastric cancer surgery, the so-called sentinel node navigation surgery, is to limit the extent of surgi-cal tissue dissection around the affected organ and subsequently the accompanied morbidity. However, ob-stacles on the clinical correspondence of sentinel node navigation surgery in everyday practice have occasion-ally alleviated researchers’ interest on the topic. Only recently with the widespread use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, i.e., laparoscopic gastric cancer resections, surgical community’s interest on the topic have been unavoidably reflated. Double tracer methods appear superior compared to single tracer techniques. Ongoing research is now focused on the invention of new lymph node detection methods utilizing sophisti-cated technology such as infrared ray endoscopy, flo-rescence imaging and near-infrared technology. Despite its notable limitations, hematoxylin/eosin is still the mainstay staining for assessing the metastatic status of an identified lymph node. An intra-operatively verified metastatic sentinel lymph node will dictate the need for further conventional lymph node dissection. Thus, laparoscopic resection of the gastric primary tumor combined with the appropriate lymph node dissection as determined by the process of sentinel lymph node status characterization represents an option for early gastric cancer. Patients with T3 or more advanced dis-ease should still be managed conventionally with resec-tion plus standard lymph node dissection. The theory behind using sentinel node mapping and biopsy in gastric cancer surgery, the so-called sentinel node navigation surgery, is to limit the extent of surgi-cal tissue dissection around the affected organ and subsequently the accompanied morbidity. However, ob-stacles on the clinical correspondence of sentinel node navigation surgery in everyday practice have occasion-ally alleviated researchers’ interest on the topic. Only recently with the widespread use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, ie, laparoscopic gastric cancer resections, surgical community’s interest on the topic have been Ongoing research is now focused on the invention of new lymph node detection methods utilizing sophisti-cated technology such as infrared ray endoscopy, flo-rescence imaging and near-infrared technology. However, its notable limitations, hematoxylin / eosin is still the mainstay staining for as sessing the metastatic status of an established lymph node dissection of the need for further conventional lymph node dissection. [0013] Thus, laparoscopic resection of the gastric primary tumor combined with the appropriate lymph node dissection as determined by the process of sentinel lymph node status characterization represents an option for early gastric cancer. Patients with T3 or more advanced dis-ease should still be managed conventionally with resec- tion plus standard lymph node dissection.