Analysis of clinical trials evaluating complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A new era of pancreatic surgery

Pancreatic fistula and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) are the major postoperative complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Pancreatic fistula is life-threatening and DGE, while not life-threatening, prolongs the hospital stay, increasing costs and compromising quality of life. To establish the current consensus of pancreatic fistula and DGE after PD, we analyzed the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) designed to prevent these postoperative complications. Five RCTs comparing PD with pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PpPD) performed for periampullary tumors showed that the two procedures were equally effective with respect to morbidity, mortality, and survival. We reviewed 15 RCTs, 2 prospective nonrandomized studies, and 2 meta-analyses of operative techniques and postoperative management designed to prevent pancreatic fistula. The results of the RCTs designed to prevent pancreatic fistula recommended duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy or one-layer end-to-side pancreaticojejunostomy, equally. We also reviewed five RCTs of operative techniques and postoperative management designed to prevent DGE, which revealed that the antecolic route for duodenojejunostomy significantly reduced the incidence of DGE. Further RCTs to study innovative approaches to prevent postoperative complications after PD are warranted.