Internal pancreatic duct stent does not decrease pancreatic fistula rate after pancreatic resection: a meta-analysis

BackgroundThe use of an internal pancreatic duct stent to improve postoperative outcomes of pancreatic anastomosis remains a matter of debate.MethodsA meta-analysis including comparative studies providing data on patients with and without internal stenting during pancreaticojejunostomy anastomosis was performed.ResultsSeven articles including 724 patients were identified for inclusion: 1 randomized controlled trial, 1 quasi–randomized controlled trial, and 5 observational clinical studies. The meta-analysis revealed that there were no significant differences between groups regarding operative outcomes. The use of an internal pancreatic duct stent was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in pancreatic fistula (P = .31), hospital mortality (P = .64), or delayed gastric emptying (P = .17), but it was associated with a higher risk of pancreatic fistulas in soft pancreases (P = .05) and overall morbidity (P = .04).ConclusionsThe current literature suggests that the use of an internal pancreatic duct stent does not help to reduce the leakage rate of pancreatic anastomosis after pancreatic resection, and it may increase the risk of pancreatic fistulas in soft pancreases.