Sphaleron Rate of N_{f}=2+1 QCD.

We compute the sphaleron rate of N_{f}=2+1 QCD at the physical point for a range of temperatures 200 MeV≲T≲600 MeV. We adopt a strategy recently applied in the quenched case, based on the extraction of the rate via a modified version of the Backus-Gilbert method from finite-lattice-spacing and finite-smoothing-radius Euclidean topological charge density correlators. The physical sphaleron rate is finally computed by performing a continuum limit at fixed physical smoothing radius, followed by a zero-smoothing extrapolation. Dynamical fermions were discretized using the staggered formulation, which is known to yield large lattice artifacts for the topological susceptibility. However, we find them to be rather mild for the sphaleron rate.

Pancreatectomy combined with multivisceral resection for pancreatic malignancies: is it justified? Results of a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Multivisceral resections combined with pancreatectomy have been proposed in selected patients with tumor invasion into adjacent organs, in order to allow complete tumor resection. Some authors have also reported multivisceral resection combined with metastasectomy in very selected cases. The utility of this practice is debated. The aim of the review is to compare the postoperative results and survival of pancreatectomies combined with multivisceral resections with those of standard pancreatectomies. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify all studies published up to February 2017 that analyzed data of patients undergoing multivisceral and standard pancreatectomies. Clinical effectiveness was synthetized through a narrative review with full tabulation of results. RESULTS: Three studies were retrieved, including 713 (80%) patients undergoing standard pancreatectomies and 176 (20%) undergoing multivisceral resections (MVR). Postoperative morbidity ranged from 37% to 50% after standard resections and from 56% to 69% after MVR. In-hospital mortality ranged from 4% after standard pancreatectomies to 10% after MVR. Median survival ranged from 20 to 23 months in standard resections and from 12 to 20 months after MVR, without significant differences. DISCUSSION: The current literature suggests that multivisceral pancreatectomies are feasible and may increase the number of completely resected patients. Morbidity and mortality are higher than after standard pancreatectomies, and these procedures should be reserved to selected patients in referral centers. Further studies on the role of neoadjuvant therapy in this setting are advisable.

Tumor-Stroma Ratio is an independent predictor for overall survival and disease free survival in gastric cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite different prognostic factors have been already studied, patients undergoing potentially curative resection for gastric cancer, still have a poor outcome. There is therefore the need to identify novel prognostic factors. Recently, Tumor-Stroma Ratio (TSR) was proven to be associated with prognosis in different types of cancers. Aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of TSR in gastric cancer patients. METHODS: 106 patients underwent gastrectomy between January 2004 and December 2015. Demographics and histopathological characteristics were collected. We considered a 50% TSR cutoff value to divide patients in Stroma-Rich (≥50%) and Stroma-Poor (<50%) groups. RESULTS: Forty-one (38.7%) patients were classified as Stroma-Poor while 65 (61.3%) as Stroma-Rich (61.3%). The Stroma-Rich patients had a higher number of positive lymph-nodes, lymph node ratio (LNR), a higher percentage of T3/T4 local invasion and N2/N3, and a more advanced TNM. Moreover, these patients showed a higher percentage of lymphovascular and perineural invasion. With a median FU of 38 months Stroma-Rich patients had a significantly worse 5-years actuarial overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) compared to Stroma-Poor patients. Moreover, the multivariate analysis showed that Stroma-Rich was the only independent factor associated with OS and DFS together with TNM-Stage. CONCLUSIONS: TSR is an independent marker of poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer that should be readily incorporated into routine clinical pathology reporting. Identification of sensitive markers for patients who had undergone curative gastrectomy and who are at high risk of recurrence could provide useful information for planning follow-up after surgery or intensive and or/targeting adjuvant chemotherapy.

Frozen section analysis of the pancreatic margin during pancreaticoduodenectomy for cancer: Does extending the resection to obtain a secondary R0 provide a survival benefit? Results of a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: During pancreaticoduodenectomy, frozen section pancreatic margin analysis permits to extend the resection in case of a positive margin, to achieve R0 margin. We aim to assess if patients having an R0 margin following the extension of the pancreatectomy after a positive frozen section (secondary R0) have different survival compared to those with R1 resection or primary R0 resection. METHODS: A systematic search was performed to identify all studies published up to March 2016 analyzing the survival of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy according to the results of frozen section pancreatic margin examination. Clinical effectiveness was synthetized through a narrative review with full tabulation of results. RESULTS: Four studies published between 2010 and 2014 were retrieved, including 2580 patients. A primary R0 resection was obtained in a percentage of patients ranging from 36.2% to 85.5%, whereas secondary R0 in 9.4%-57.8% of cases and R1 in 5.1%-9.2%. Median survival ranged from 19 to 29 months in R0 patients, from 11.9 to 18 months in secondary R0, and from 12 to 23 months in R1 patients. None of the study demonstrated a survival benefit of extending the resection to obtain a secondary R0 pancreatic margin. CONCLUSIONS: All the studies were concordant, and failed to demonstrate the survival benefit of additional pancreatic resection to obtain a secondary R0. However, inadequate surgery should not be advocated. This review suggests that re-resection of the pancreatic margin may have limited impact on patients' survival.

Routine extra-hepatic bile duct resection in gallbladder cancer patients without bile duct infiltration: A systematic review.

AIM: The optimal treatment for advanced gallbladder cancer, in particular T2 stage cancer, is unclear. The use of "radical cholecystectomy" or more extended procedures with extra-hepatic bile duct resection are matter of debate. Due to the lack of consensus regarding the oncological significance of routine extra-hepatic bile duct (EBD) resection for gallbladder carcinoma, we decided to perform a systematic review investigating the real benefit of this procedure focusing on the primary outcomes of overall survival and disease-free survival. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library Central according to the PRISMA statement guidelines for conducting and reporting systematic reviews. Multiple primary and secondary outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The selected articles included 424 patients who underwent routine EBD resection without bile duct infiltration. Only two papers discussed the number of dissected lymph nodes during EBD resection for gallbladder carcinoma. Four of the seven included papers reported on tumor involvement in lymph nodes at rates ranging between 39% and 83%. All of the studies included in this systematic review reported on results of overall survival. In general, 5-years OS rate of the EBD-resected patients was not significantly different than that of the EBD-preservation group, while the mobility was significantly higher in the EBD resection group. CONCLUSIONS: Routine EBD resection in gallbladder cancer patients without bile duct infiltration is not associated with improved overall survival, improved lymph-node harvesting or with minor recurrence rate, but it is associated with higher morbidity rates.

Oncologic value of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The oncologic validity of laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) remains controversial. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed between 2008 and 2014 to identify comparative studies evaluating morbidity/mortality, oncologic surgery-related outcomes, recurrence and survival rates. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were carried out using RevMan 5.2 software. RESULTS: Eight studies with a total of 1456 patients were included in this analysis. The complication rate was lower in LADG [odds ratio (OR) 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.42-0.83; P < 0.002]. The in-hospital mortality rate was comparable (OR 1.22; 95% CI = 0.28-5-29, P = 0.79). There was no significant difference in the number of harvested lymph nodes, resection margins, cancer recurrence rate, cancer-related mortality or overall and disease-free survival (OS and DFS, respectively) rates between the laparoscopic and the open groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The current study supports the view that LADG for AGC is a feasible, safe and effective procedure in selected patients. Adequate lymphadenectomy, resection margins, recurrence, cancer-related mortality and long-term outcomes appear equivalent to open distal gastrectomy (ODG).

Robotic right colectomy: A worthwhile procedure? Results of a meta-analysis of trials comparing robotic versus laparoscopic right colectomy.

BACKGROUND: Robotic right colectomy (RRC) is a complex procedure, offered to selected patients at institutions highly experienced with the procedure. It is still not clear if this approach is worthwhile in enhancing patient recovery and reducing post-operative complications, compared with laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC). Literature is still fragmented and no meta-analyses have been conducted to compare the two procedures. This work aims at reducing this gap in literature, in order to draw some preliminary conclusions on the differences and similarities between RRC and LRC, focusing on short-term outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies comparing RRC and LRC, and meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Peri-operative outcomes (e.g., morbidity, mortality, anastomotic leakage rates, blood loss, operative time) constituted the study end points. RESULTS: Six studies, including 168 patients undergoing RRC and 348 patients undergoing LRC were considered as suitable. The patients in the two groups were similar with respect to sex, body mass index, presence of malignant disease, previous abdominal surgery, and different with respect to age and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. There were no statistically significant differences between RRC and LRC regarding estimated blood loss, rate of conversion to open surgery, number of retrieved lymph nodes, development of anastomotic leakage and other complications, overall morbidity, rates of reoperation, overall mortality, hospital stays. RRC resulted in significantly longer operative time. CONCLUSIONS: The RRC procedure is feasible, safe, and effective in selected patients. However, operative times are longer comparing to LRC and no advantages in peri-operative and post-operative outcomes are demonstrated with the use of the robotic surgical system.

Value of preoperative inflammation-based prognostic scores in predicting overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to identify which are the best preoperative inflammation-based prognostic scores in terms of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with gastric cancer. METHODS: Between January 2004 and January 2013, 102 consecutive patients underwent resection for gastric cancer at S. Andrea Hospital, "La Sapienza", University of Rome. Their records were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: After a median follow up of 40.8 months (8-107 months), patients' 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 88, 72, and 59 %, respectively. After R0 resection, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS rates were 93, 74, and 56 %, respectively. A multivariate analysis of the significant variables showed that only the modified Glasgow prognostic scores (p < 0.001) and PI (p < 0.001) were independently associated with OS. Regarding DFS, multivariate analysis of the significant variables showed that the modified Glasgow prognostic score (p = 0.002) and prognostic index (p < 0.001) were independently associated with DFS. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that modified Glasgow prognostic score and prognostic index are independent predictors of OS and DFS in patients with gastric cancer.

Ultra-broadband THz time-domain spectroscopy of common polymers using THz air photonics.

Terahertz-range dielectric properties of the common polymers low-density polyethylene (LDPE), cyclic olefin/ethylene copolymer (TOPAS®), polyamide-6 (PA6), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon®) are characterized in the ultra-broadband frequency window 2-15 THz, using a THz time-domain spectrometer employing air-photonics for the generation and detection of single-cycle sub-50 fs THz transients. The time domain measurements provide direct access to both the absorption and refractive index spectra. The polymers LDPE and TOPAS® demonstrate negligible absorption and spectrally-flat refractive index across the entire spectroscopy window, revealing the high potential of these polymers for applications in THz photonics such as ultra-broadband polymer-based dielectric mirrors, waveguides, and fibers. Resonant high-frequency polar vibrational modes are observed and assigned in polymers PA6 and PTFE, and their dielectric functions in the complete frequency window 2-15 THz are theoretically reproduced. Our results demonstrate the potential of ultra-broadband air-photonics-based THz time domain spectroscopy as a valuable analytic tool for materials science.

A significant difference of synovial mast cells in synovium from rotator cuff arthropathy compared to rotator cuff tears: A histological pilot study.

Objective: Aim of the present study was to compare the presence of Mast Cells (MCs) in synovial samples from gleno-humeral osteoarthritis (OA) and from control group. Methods: Synovial tissue samples were obtained during arthroplasty from 23 patients with gleno-humeral OA due to rotator cuff arthropathy (RCA) and from 20 patients without OA, constituting OA group and control group respectively. Before surgery self-reported pain was assessed using VAS score and OSS was used to value functional ability. Shoulder radiograph (Antero-posterior, Y-view and Grashey views) was evaluated by musculoskeletal radiologist and graded according to modified Samilson-Prieto classification.Synovial tissue, obtained during arthroplasty and arthroscopic procedure, was prepared to immunohistochemical analysis with anti-CD31 and anti-CD117 antibodies, to detect respectively endothelial cells and MCs at 40x magnification. Synovitis scores have been assessed. Under the control of the image processing system the distribution and the total number of vessels and MCs were determined. Results: The numbers of MCs and the area fraction (20x magnification) occupied by them were significantly higher in OA samples than in control tissue. The synovitis score was higher in OA patients with a positive correlation. Vessels number and area fraction were higher in OA patients than in controls. Analysis of MC number in relation to clinical data indicated positive correlation with the VAS score. Conclusions: The distribution of MCs on synovium significantly differ between OA and control groups. Despite the design of the study could not conclude the cause-effect relationship, the presence of MCs might have role in OA pathogenesis. Level of evidence: Histological study.

Large and bleeding gastroduodenal artery aneurysm: Challenging diagnosis and treatment. A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral artery aneurysms (VAA), including gastroduodenal artery aneurysms (GAA), are rare pathologies that can be challenging to diagnose due to their often-asymptomatic nature. VAA are usually correlated to atherosclerosis, fibro dysplasia, or hemodynamics changes, while pseudo aneurysms are mostly correlated to infection, inflammation, traumas, or iatrogenic lesions. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the case of an 82-years-old female presenting with abdominal pain and hematemesis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy retrieved a large duodenal mass and subsequent CT scans identified a large GAA with contrast extravasation. Endovascular procedure included selective arteriography, microcatheterization, and embolization. DISCUSSION: VAA are mostly located in the splenic and hepatic artery. Symptoms of VAA are related to pressure on neighboring organs. VAA rupture is associated with a high mortality risk (over 76 %) and presents with symptoms like acute abdominal pain, hematemesis, and hemodynamic shock. Diagnosis is often made through CT scans and angiography. Treatment options for VAAs and GAAs include both surgical and endovascular methods. Endovascular treatment is preferred, with a success rate of 89 %-98 %. CONCLUSION: This case provides an example of challenging diagnosis and treatment of a large and bleeding GAA.

Palmitoylethanolamide and polydatin in pediatric irritable bowel syndrome: A multicentric randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of co-micronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)/polydatin (PD) in the treatment of abdominal pain symptoms in pediatric patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: This was a multicenter trial conducted at three Italian pediatric gastroenterology centers, employing a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm design. Participants were ages 10 to 17 y and met Rome IV criteria for pediatric IBS. They were randomly allocated to receive either co-micronized PEA/PD or placebo, administered three times daily in a 1:1 ratio, over a 12-wk period. The study assessed baseline severity using the IBS-Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) at enrollment and after 4, 8, and 12 wk of treatment. Abdominal pain frequency was assessed on a scale from 1 to 7 d/wk, while stool consistency was classified using the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) to categorize various IBS subtypes. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who achieved complete remission, defined as IBS-SSS score <75 points after 12 wk of therapy. RESULTS: The study involved 70 children with IBS. Of the participants, 34 received co-micronized PEA/PD, and 36 received a placebo. As compared with the placebo group, the co-micronized therapy group had significantly more patients achieving complete remission after 12 wk (P = 0.015), with particular benefit in the IBS-diarrhea subtype (P = 0.01). The treatment group also experienced a significant reduction in abdominal pain intensity and frequency compared with the placebo group. No adverse events were recorded during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Co-micronized PEA/PD is a safe and effective treatment to treat abdominal pain symptoms in pediatric IBS.

Wandering spleen causing small bowel obstruction: Laparoscopic surgical treatment (with video).

INTRODUCTION: Wandering spleen (WS) is a clinical entity in which the spleen is not located in its normal anatomical site. Few cases have been reported, mainly in women of childbearing age. This condition can be congenital or acquired due to excessive elasticity of the spleen's suspensory ligaments. WS may cause acute complications requiring emergency surgery, especially related to the rotation of its vascular pedicle, leading to chronic or acute ischemia. The aim of the present case is to show a rare complication of WS, small bowel obstruction (SBO), and its management. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the case of a 40-year-old female presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. CT scan showed SBO caused by WS located in the pelvis with an enlarged spleen vascular pedicle (SVP). Laparoscopic exploration, splenectomy, small bowel resection and anastomosis were performed. DISCUSSION: WS may cause chronic or acute complications, mainly linked with enlargement and torsion of SVP, including acute ischemia and spleen necrosis, or compression of the near organs such as small intestine, stomach, pancreas. The diagnosis is based on physical examination, CT scan and blood exams. Generally, the WS's treatment is laparoscopic splenectomy or splenopexy. In case of vital spleen, splenopexy can be performed, in case of not vital spleen, splenectomy should be preferred. CONCLUSION: This case provides an excellent example of SBO related to WS. In the video, the management of this complex situation is shown. In these cases, splenectomy represents a valuable option.

Overall Survival Following Anastomotic Leakage After Surgery for Carcinoma of the Esophagus and Gastroesophageal Junction: A Systematic Review.

The effect of anastomotic leakage, in patients who underwent surgery for carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction, on overall survival (OS) is a debated and controversial topic. The aim of this systematic review was to clarify the impact of anastomotic leakage on long-term survival of patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy. A systematic literature review was carried out from 2000 to 2022. We chose articles reporting data from patients who underwent surgery for carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction. Data regarding 1-, 3- and 5-year OS were analyzed. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria, yielding a total of 9,279 patients. Analyzing data from selected studies, anastomotic leakage was found to be associated with decreased OS in 5,456 cases while in the remaining 3,823 it had no impact on long term survival (p<0.05). However, this result did not emerge from the other studies considered in the systematic review. Anastomotic leakage is a severe postoperative complication, which seems to have an impact on overall survival. However, the topic remains debated and not supported by all case series included in this systematic review.

Tuning multi/pluri-potent stem cell fate by electrospun poly(L-lactic acid)-calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite nanocomposite mats.

In this study, we investigated whether multipotent (human-bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells [hBM-MSCs]) and pluripotent stem cells (murine-induced pluripotent stem cells [iPSCs] and murine embryonic stem cells [ESCs]) respond to nanocomposite fibrous mats of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) loaded with 1 or 8 wt % of calcium-deficient nanohydroxyapatite (d-HAp). Remarkably, the dispersion of different amounts of d-HAp to PLLA produced a set of materials (PLLA/d-HAp) with similar architectures and tunable mechanical properties. After 3 weeks of culture in the absence of soluble osteogenic factors, we observed the expression of osteogenic markers, including the deposition of bone matrix proteins, in multi/pluripotent cells only grown on PLLA/d-HAp nanocomposites, whereas the osteogenic differentiation was absent on stem-cell-neat PLLA cultures. Interestingly, this phenomenon was confined only in hBM-MSCs, murine iPSCs, and ESCs grown on direct contact with the PLLA/d-HAp mats. Altogether, these results indicate that the osteogenic differentiation effect of these electrospun PLLA/d-HAp nanocomposites was independent of the stem cell type and highlight the direct interaction of stem cell-polymeric nanocomposite and the mechanical properties acquired by the PLLA/d-HAp nanocomposites as key steps for the differentiation process.

Knock-down of HEXA and HEXB genes correlate with the absence of the immunostimulatory function of HSC-derived dendritic cells.

In an attempt to investigate whether the genetic defect in the HEXA and HEXB genes (which causes the absence of the lysosomal ß-N-acetyl-hexosaminidase), are related to the wide inflammation in GM2 gangliosidoses (Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff disease), we have chosen the dendritic cells (DCs) as a study model. Using the RNA interference approach, we generated an in vitro model of HEXs knock-down immunogenic DCs (i-DCs) from CD34(+)-haemopoietic stem cells (CD34(+)-HSCs), thus mimicking the Tay-Sachs (HEXA-/-) and Sandhoff (HEXB-/-) cells. We showed that the absence of ß-N-acetyl-hexosaminidase activity does not alter the differentiation of i-DCs from HSCs, but it is critical for the activation of CD4(+)T cells because knock-down of HEXA or HEXB gene causes a loss of function of i-DCs. Notably, the silencing of the HEXA gene had a stronger immune inhibitory effect, thereby indicating a major involvement of ß-N-acetyl-hexosaminidase A isoenzyme within this mechanism.

Pancreas-preserving segmental duodenectomy for gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the duodenum and splenectomy for splenic angiosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and occur rarely in the duodenum. Splenic angiosarcoma is an aggressive neoplasm with an extremely poor prognosis. METHODS: We report a case of a 70-year-old man hospitalized for abdominal pain in the upper quadrants, dyspepsia and nausea, previously treated for Hodgkin lymphoma 30 years ago. Abdominal CT showed a solid nodular lesion in the third portion of the duodenum, the presence of retropancreatic, aortic and caval lymph nodes, and four nodular splenic masses. (111)In-octreotide scintigraphy revealed pathological tissue accumulation in the duodenal region, and in the retropancreatic, retroduodenal, aortic and caval lymph nodes, suggesting a nonfunctioning neuroendocrine peripancreatic tumor. RESULTS: At exploratory laparotomy, an exophytic soft tumor was found originating from the third portion of the duodenum. Pancreas-preserving duodenectomy with duodenojejunostomy, splenectomy and lymphnodectomy of retropancreatic aortic and caval lymph nodes were performed. Pathological evaluation and immunohistochemical studies showed the presence of a duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor with low mitotic activity and a well-differentiated angiosarcoma localized to the spleen and invading lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: We speculated that the angiosarcoma and duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors of this patient were due to the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma with radiotherapy 30 years ago. Pancreas-preserving segmental duodenectomy can be used to treat non-malignant neoplasms of the duodenum and avoid extensive surgery. Splenectomy is the treatment of choice for localized angiosarcomas but a strict follow-up is mandatory because of the possibility of recurrence.

The Role of Surgery in the Treatment of Metachronous Liver Metastasis from Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Few data are available regarding metachronous liver metastases from gastric cancer. We aimed to identify data regarding the survival of these patients, considering the chosen treatment, with particular attention to the role of surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was carried out from 2000 to 2020. We chose articles reporting data from patients with metachronous liver metastases after curative gastrectomy. Data regarding 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Survival was improved in patients eligible for surgery (absence of extrahepatic non-curative factors and feasible complete macroscopic removal of liver deposits, i.e., H1 and H2 liver involvement, metastases less than 5 cm in size) when curative liver resection was performed, with a median overall survival of 24 months (vs. 3.13 in patients treated with chemotherapy). N Status, extent and maximum size of liver metastases, and hepatic surgical treatment were identified as independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Selected patients with metachronous liver metastases from gastric cancer may benefit from multimodal 'aggressive' treatment. When hepatic involvement is limited (H1 and H2) and the size of metastases less than 5 cm, surgery was shown to increase survival.

Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula: Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Better than Open? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is gaining popularity. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after minimally invasive versus open procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following the PRISMA statement, literature research was conducted focusing on papers comparing the incidence of POPF after open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) versus minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD). RESULTS: Twenty-one papers were included in this meta-analysis, for a total of 4,448 patients. A total of 2,456 patients (55.2%) underwent OPD, while 1,992 (44.8%) underwent MIPD. Age, ASA score III patients, incidence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and duct diameter were significantly lower in the MIPD group. No statistically significant differences were found between the OPD and MIPD regarding the incidence of major complications (15.6% vs. 17.0%, respectively, p=0.55), mortality (3.7% vs. 2.4%, p=0.81), and POPF rate (14.3% vs. 12.9%, p=0.25). CONCLUSION: MIPD and OPD had comparable rates of postoperative complications, postoperative mortality, and POPF.