Resection vs. Ligation vs. Preservation of the Thoracic Duct During Esophagectomy for Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

The effect of thoracic duct (TD) management-resection, ligation, or preservation-during esophagectomy for cancer remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of TD management strategies on oncological outcomes and surgical morbidity.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following PRISMA reporting guidelines. Searches of OVID, Embase, and Web of Science identified studies comparing thoracic duct resection or TD ligation with TD preservation in esophagectomy for cancer. Outcomes included 5-year overall survival (OS), postoperative morbidity, postoperative chyle leakage, lymph node yield, and length of stay. Random-effects meta-analyses using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman variance corr

SUBMITTER: Nijssen DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11940447 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature