Objective: To assess the value of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. Methods: Publicly published studies in both Chinese and English concerning laparoscopy-assisted D2 gastrectomy versus open D2 gastrectomy were collected, and then, data that included operative time, blood loss, number of dissected lymph nodes, time to first flatus and food intake, length of hospital stay, incidence of complications, mortality and recurrence between two groups of patients undergoing laparoscopy-assisted D2 gastrectomy and open D2 gastrectomy were compared by Meta-analysis. Results: Eight studies (1 065 patients) meeting inclusion criteria were finally selected. Compared with open surgery group, the intraoperative blood loss and incidence of complications were reduced, time to first flatus and food intake, and length of hospital stay were shortened, but operative time was prolonged (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the number of dissected lymph nodes, mortality, and recurrence rate between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Laparoscopy-assisted D2 gastrectomy has the advantages of minimal invasion, faster recovery and fewer complications, and can achieve the same results and short-term efficacy as open radical operation.