Laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia: systematic review and meta-analysis after consistent implementation of the technique in the past decade.

Background: Laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia (LRDA) remains a technically challenging procedure and its benefits ambiguous. To assess the safety and efficacy of LRDA, we performed a systematic review of techniques and material for LRDA and a meta-analysis comparing outcomes with open repair (OR).

Methods: Comprehensive search of EMBASSE, PubMed and Cochrane was performed from 2000 to 2023. Studies comparing LRDA with OR were identified and outcomes extracted included operative time, time to enteral feeds, length of hospitalisation, anastomotic leaks and stricture and total complications. χ was used to assess associations between complications and conversions rates of different LRDA approaches (laparoscopic technique, suturing technique). Comprehensive meta-analysis was used for Meta-analysis.

Results: Twelve studies were identified and 1731 patients were enrolled in the study (398 [LRDA] and 1325 [OR]). Total rate of complications and conversion for LRDA was 15.58% and 18.84%, respectively. Complication rates were not significantly affected by operative technique and suturing technique. Conversion rates were not significantly affected operative technique; using a combination of interrupted and running suturing was significantly higher than using running or interrupted (χ = 7.45, p < 0.05). Anastomotic leaks, strictures and total complications were equivocal between LRDA and OR (OR 1.672, 95% CI 0.796-3.514; OR 2.010, 95% CI 0.758-5.333; OR 1.172, 95% CI 0.195-7.03). Operative time was significantly greater for LRDA (SDM 1.035, 95% CI 0.574-1.495, p < 0.001). Time to initial and full enteral feeds and length of hospitalisation were shorter in the LRDA group (SDM - 0.493, 95% CI - 2.166 to 1.752, p = 0.466; SDM - 0.207, 95% CI - 1.807 to 0.822, p = 0.019; SDM - 0.111, 95% CI - 1.101 to 0.880, p = 0.466, respectively).

Conclusions: LRDA showed equivalent complication rates compared to OR with an additional benefit of quicker establishment of feeds. There was no significant difference in complication and conversion rates between laparoscopic techniques. Despite a longer operative time, LRDA provides a safe minimal access approach for neonates after this consistent implementation of the technique in the past decade.