Isolated Roux-en-Y reconstruction versus conventional reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic fistula (PF) is the major cause for morbidity and mortality following pancreaticoduodenectomy. The primary aim of this study was to compare the occurrence rate of postoperative PF between isolated Roux-en-Y reconstruction (RYR) and conventional reconstruction (CR) after pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: Data of 43 patients who underwent RYC were compared with those of a pair-matched equal number of patients undergoing CR. We also performed a meta-analysis of comparative studies of the two procedures. RESULTS: The case-matched analysis showed no significant difference in PF occurrence between RYR and CR groups (23.3% versus 25.6%; P = 0.80). Meta-analysis of 1498 patients further confirmed this finding, showing a pooled odds ratio of 1.14 (95% confidence intervals, 0.82-1.58; P = 0.43). CONCLUSION: The use of RYR for pancreaticojejunostomy does not seem to decrease the occurrence rate of postoperative PF in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.