Meta-analysis of preoperative placement of pancreatic stents to prevent postoperative leaks after distal pancreatectomy

BackgroundPancreatic leaks and fistulae are common after distal pancreatectomy. The aim of this study was to determine effectiveness of prophylactic pancreatic duct (PD) stents on leak rate following distal pancreatectomy.MethodsA meta-analysis of five studies including 218 patients. PD stents were placed endoscopically in two studies and intraoperatively in three studies. Octreotide was given postoperatively in one study.ResultsNo significant difference in leak rates was seen with PD stents; however, when the study that also used Octreotide was removed, PD stents were favorable.ConclusionPlacement of PD stents for prevention of PD leaks and fistulae following distal pancreatectomy cannot be routinely recommended.