Published online May 14, 2018. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i18.1978
Peer-review started: April 8, 2018
First decision: April 21, 2018
Revised: April 26, 2018
Accepted: May 6, 2018
Article in press: May 6, 2018
Published online: May 14, 2018
Processing time: 34 Days and 18.4 Hours
The major symptoms of advanced hepatopancreatic-biliary cancer are biliary obstruction, pain and gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). For obstructive jaundice, surgical treatment should de consider in recurrent stent complications. The role of surgery for pain relief is marginal nowadays. On the last, there is no consensus for treatment of malignant GOO. Endoscopic duodenal stents are associated with shorter length of stay and faster relief to oral intake with more recurrent symptoms. Surgical gastrojejunostomy shows better long-term results and lower re-intervention rates, but there are limited data about laparoscopic approach. We performed a systematic review of the literature, according PRISMA guidelines, to search for articles on laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy for malignant GOO treatment. We also report our personal series, from 2009 to 2017. A review of the literature suggests that there is no standardized surgical technique either standardized outcomes to report. Most of the studies are case series, so level of evidence is low. Decision-making must consider medical condition, nutritional status, quality of life and life expectancy. Evaluation of the patient and multidisciplinary expertise are required to select appropriate approach. Given the limited studies and the difficulty to perform prospective controlled trials, no study can answer all the complexities of malignant GOO and more outcome data is needed.
Core tip: Both non-operative endoscopic approach and surgical treatment are available for palliative treatment of gastric outlet obstruction due to advanced hepatopancreatic-biliary cancer. Stent is usually preferred in patients with poor general condition or short life expectancy. Laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy is a feasible, safe and efficient technical option. Given the limited studies, we performed a systematic review of laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy in patients with advanced hepatopancreatic-biliary malignancy. Clinical prospective trials comparing different approaches with adequate sample size are warranted.