Effect of polyglycolic acid mesh for prevention of pancreatic fistula following segmental pancreatectomy: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most common and intractable complication after segmental pancreatectomy, with an incidence of 13-64%.Polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh is a new technique that is designed to prevent POPF, but its effect has been evaluated only in a small number of patients and in retrospective studies. In this study, we systematically and comprehensively analyzed the efficacy of PGA based on reported research. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases in English between January 2010 and October 2019. Analysis was performed by using Review Manger5.3 software. Results: Three randomized controlled trials and 8 nonrandomized studies were eligible with a total of 1598 patients including 884 PGA patients and 714 control patients. For pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), distal pancreatectomy (DP) and segmental pancreatectomy, we found significant statistical differences in overall POPF (RR All = 0.