Objective: To evaluate the safety and short-term effectiveness of laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer in elderly patients. Methods: The clinical data of 87 elderly patients (≥70 years) with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy from July 2008 to December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Of the patients, 39 cases underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy (laparoscopic group) and the other 48 cases underwent traditional open gastrectomy (open surgery group). The general data, intraoperative variables, postoperative recovery and complications as well as therapeutic efficacy of the two groups were compared. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in sex distribution, median age, preoperative comorbidities, preoperative ASA score or disease profiles. Except for the average operative time (no difference was found between the two groups), the average intraoperative blood loss (73 mL vs. 309 mL), time for bowel function recovery (4.1 d vs. 5.5 d), time to liquid intake (4.2 d vs. 6 d), average length of hospital stay and incidence of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications (28.2% vs. 56.3%) were all significantly reduced in laparoscopic group compared with open surgery group (all P<0.05). The average length of follow-up was 29 months, and the survival rate of laparoscopic group and open surgery group was 57.1% and 65.9%, respectively (P>0.05). Conclusion: Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer in elderly patients is safe and feasible, and can reduce intraoperative blood loss and postoperative cardiopulmonary complications, as well as promote the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function.