Comparing Safety and Efficacy: Laparoscopic vs. Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has an estimated 5-year survival rate of 11% and remains a formidable challenge. Despite evolving pancreaticoduodenectomy techniques, the pinnacle status of laparoscopic surgery persists. Technological advancements since Gagner and Pomp’s 1994 breakthrough have expanded its reach, yet it remains complex. Although safety reports exist, large-scale studies establishing the viability of laparoscopic surgery for PDAC are scarce. This study aimed to provide an up-to-date meta-analysis, scrutinizing all relevant trials, especially recently published ones, to discern differences between laparoscopic and open pancreaticoduodenectomy procedures. This meta-analysis, following the PRISMA guidelines, systematically searched the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials on pancreaticoduodenectomy up to November 25, 2023. Data extraction, quality assessment, and statistical analysis, including primary and secondary outcomes, were conducted using rigorous methodology. The study employed Review Manager 5.4 for analysis, with significance set at P < 0.05. This meta-analysis, comprising five randomized controlled trials (laparoscopic, 605; open, 601; total, 1206), utilized the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, revealing minimal bias. Primary outcome analysis indicated a shorter hospital stay with laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (S.M.D. =  − 0.18, 95% CI − 0.63 − 0.28, P = 0.45) and reduced blood loss (S.M.D. =  − 1.96, 95% CI − 3.05, 0.88, P = 0.0004), but increased operative time (S.M.D. = 1.74, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.53, P < 0.0001). The secondary outcomes showed no significant differences in morbidity, mortality, resection, fistula, gastric emptying, hemorrhage, bile leak, reoperation, readmission, and surgical site infection between the two procedures. Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) offers marginal benefits over open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD), including reduced blood loss and shorter hospital stays. However, LPD requires a significantly longer operative time, and no substantial differences have been observed in terms of mortality or other complications. Additional studies with lower heterogeneity are needed to thoroughly evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of LPD and OPD.