T-tube<i>vs</i>no T-tube for biliary tract reconstruction in adult orthotopic liver transplantation: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Junzhou Zhao, Lin-Lan Qiao, Zhaoqing Du, Jia Zhang, Meng-Zhou Wang, Tao Wang, Wuming Liu, Lin Zhang, Jian Dong, Zheng Wu, Rongqian Wu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Whether to use a T-tube for biliary anastomosis during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) remains a debatable question. Some surgeons chose to use a T-tube because they believed that it reduces the incidence of biliary strictures. Advances in surgical techniques during the last decades have significantly decreased the overall incidence of postoperative biliary complications. Whether using a T-tube during OLT is still associated with the reduced incidence of biliary strictures needs to be re-evaluated. AIM: To provide an updated systematic review and meta-analysis on using a T-tube during adult OLT. METHODS: ≤ 0.05 indicated a significant difference between OR value and 1. RESULTS: = 92.2%, 65.6%, 50.9%, and 80.3%, respectively). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the evidence gathered in our updated meta-analysis showed that the studies published in the last decade did not provide enough evidence to support the routine use of T-tube in adults during OLT.