Meta-analysis of intermittent Pringle manoeuvre versus no Pringle manoeuvre in elective liver surgery

Pandanaboyana Sanjay1, Ian Ong, Adam Bartlett

  • 1Department of HPB Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK.

Abstract

Insights

The intermittent Pringle manoeuvre (IPM) in liver surgery did not significantly reduce blood loss or improve patient outcomes. Routine use of IPM is not recommended based on current evidence.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatobiliary surgery
  • Surgical oncology
  • Clinical outcomes research

Background:

  • The intermittent Pringle manoeuvre (IPM) is a common technique during liver surgery to control blood flow.
  • Its routine application's impact on perioperative outcomes requires thorough evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the effect of intermittent Pringle manoeuvre (IPM) on blood loss, operating time, and patient morbidity and mortality during liver surgery.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic electronic literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed.
  • Four randomized controlled trials involving 392 patients were included.
  • Pooled risk ratios and mean differences were calculated using fixed-effects and random-effects models.

Main Results:

  • Intermittent Pringle manoeuvre (IPM) use was associated with reduced transection time per cm² (P=0.003).
  • No significant differences were observed in blood loss, transfusion requirements, morbidity, mortality, or post-operative hospital stay.
  • P-values for comparable outcomes ranged from 0.23 to 0.47.

Conclusions:

  • Current evidence does not support the routine use of intermittent Pringle manoeuvre (IPM) for improving perioperative or post-operative outcomes in liver surgery.
  • The routine implementation of IPM may not be advisable.

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