Laparoscopic vs open pyloromyotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Juan E Sola1, Holly L Neville

  • 1Division of Pediatric Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA. jsola@med.miami.edu

Insights

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP) is more effective than open pyloromyotomy (OP) for infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, showing fewer complications and faster recovery. This surgical approach offers significant benefits for infant care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Innovation

Background:

  • Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is a common condition in infants.
  • Surgical correction, pyloromyotomy, is the standard treatment.
  • Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP) has emerged as an alternative to open pyloromyotomy (OP).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effectiveness of laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP) versus open pyloromyotomy (OP) in infants with HPS.
  • To evaluate key outcomes including complication rates, operative time, and recovery parameters.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies comparing LP and OP.
  • Data extraction included age, weight, complications, operative duration, feeding times, vomiting, and length of stay (LOS).
  • Six studies (5 level I, 1 level II) with 625 infants were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • LP was associated with a significantly lower total complication rate (OR, 0.58) and wound complication rate (OR, 0.42).
  • Patients undergoing LP experienced shorter time to full feedings (MD, -11.52 hours) and reduced postoperative LOS (MD, -5.71 hours).
  • No significant differences were found in mucosal perforation, wound infection, postoperative emesis, or operating time; however, incomplete pyloromyotomy was more frequent with LP (OR, 7.74).

Conclusions:

  • The laparoscopic approach for pyloromyotomy in infants with HPS is favored due to a significantly reduced overall complication rate, primarily driven by fewer wound complications.
  • LP offers faster recovery, evidenced by quicker return to full feedings and shorter hospital stays.
  • While LP shows advantages, careful consideration of the potential for incomplete pyloromyotomy is warranted.
Abstract