Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy on Postoperative Clinically Significant Pancreatic Fistula – A Systemic Review and Updated Meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: The primary aim of our analysis was to do a systemic review and updated meta-analysis of literature published in the last 10 years and look for the association of neoadjuvant chemoradiation and risk of subsequent clinically significant pancreatic fistula. Methods: EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database were searched. A systemic review and Metanalysis were done according to MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines. Results: Twenty-six studies including 17021 patients were finally included in the analysis. 339 patients out of a total of 3386 developed clinically significant pancreatic fistula in the neoadjuvant first group. 2342 patients out of 13335 patients developed clinically significant pancreatic fistula in the surgery first group. Neoadjuvant treatment significantly reduced the risk of subsequent clinically significant pancreatic fistula. (p= <0.0001). The number of patients with soft pancreas was significantly higher in the surgery first group. (p <0.0001). Pancreatic duct diameter was mentioned in only two studies but there was no significant difference between both groups. [p=1].Blood loss was significantly more in the surgery first group.[ p <0.0001]. There was no difference in pancreaticoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy performed between both groups. (p=0.82). There was no difference in the number of borderline resectable pancreatic tumors between both groups. (p= 0.34). There was no difference in overall grade 3/grade 4 complications rate between both groups. (p= 0.39). Conclusion: Neoadjuvant treatments may be responsible for the lower rates of clinically significant pancreatic fistula after subsequent surgery.