Pancreaticogastrostomy versus pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

backgroundThe aim of this systematic review was to compare postoperative outcomes between pancreaticogastrostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

methodsSix databases were systematically reviewed to identify randomized controlled trials comparing pancreaticogastrostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy. Studies reporting postoperative complications, reoperations, and mortality were included (PROSPERO registration number CRD42013005383).

resultsThe search provided a total of 1,646 references. Seven studies were selected including 1,121 patients, 562 in the pancreaticogastrostomy group and 559 in the pancreaticojejunostomy group. Overall incidence of pancreatic fistula and the incidence of more severe fistulas (grade B/C) were lower in the pancreaticogastrostomy group (relative risk 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52 to 0.86; p = 0.002 and relative risk 0.61; 95 % CI 0.40 to 0.93; p = 0.02). Abdominal collections were more frequent in the pancreaticojejunostomy group. However, pancreaticogastrostomy was associated with an increased risk of postoperative intraluminal hemorrhage, and there were no differences in overall morbidity, reoperations, or mortality.

conclusionsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, a reduction in the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula in the pancreaticogastrostomy group was observed. Although this evidence comes from randomized trials, pancreaticogastrostomy cannot be considered superior to pancreaticojejunostomy due to the presence of clinical heterogeneity among studies and the absence of differences in overall morbidity, reoperations, and mortality.