Open versus laparoscopic surgery in the management of patients with gallbladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery when compared to open surgery in the management of gallbladder cancer.

METHODS

Ovid Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, Epub, and Scopus were searched. A meta-analysis of selected studies was performed, and a subgroup analysis was performed by tumor stage.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies met the eligibility criteria with a total of 1792 participants undergoing either laparoscopic or open surgery. Survival rate of laparoscopic group was higher than open group at T2 tumor stage after 1 year (OR = 2.130, 95%CI: 1.372, 3.306, I2 = 0%) and 2 year (OR = 2.074, 95%CI: 1.411, 3.050, I2 = 0%) as well as T3 tumor stage after 1 year (OR = 2.805, 95%CI: 1.631, 4.826, I2 = 0%) and 2 year (OR = 2.453, 95%CI: 1.367, 4.400, I2 = 0%). Additionally, overall recurrence rate between laparoscopic and open cohorts was similar (OR: 1.098, 95%CI: 0.774, 1.558, I2 = 5.56%).

CONCLUSION

In comparison to open surgery, the results seem to show a trend favoring laparoscopic surgery as a possible alternative treatment option to commence the management of gallbladder cancer.