The impact of venous resection in pancreatoduodectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Vein resection pancreatoduodenectomy (VRPD) may be performed in selected pancreatic cancer patients. However, the main risks and benefits related to VRPD remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to evaluate the risks and survival benefits that the VRPD may add when compared with standard pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing VRPD and PD were performed. RESULTS: VRPD was associated with a higher risk for postoperative mortality (risk difference: −0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.02 to −0.00) and complications (risk difference: −0.05; 95% CI −0.09 to −0.01) than PD. The length of hospital stay was not different between the groups (mean difference [MD]: −0.65; 95% CI −2.11 to 0.81). In the VRPD, the operating time was 69 minutes higher on average (MD: −69.09; 95% CI −88.4 to −49.78), with a higher blood loss rate (MD: −314.04; 95% CI −423.86 to −195.22). In the overall survival evaluation, the hazard ratio for mortality during follow-up on the group of VRPD was higher compared to the PD group (hazard ratio: 1.13; 95% CI 1.03–1.23). CONCLUSION: VRPD is associated with a higher risk of short-term complications and mortality and a lower probability of survival than PD. Knowing the risks and potential benefits of surgery can help clinicians to properly manage pancreatic cancer patients with venous invasion. The decision for surgery with major venous resection should be shared with the patients after they are informed of the risks and prognosis.