Multivisceral Oncological Resections Involving the Pancreas: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: With the continuous advancement of cancer treatments, a comprehensive analysis of the impact of multivisceral oncological pancreatic resections on morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival is currently lacking. Objective: This manuscript presents the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis designed to summarize the existing evidence concerning the outcomes of multivisceral oncological pancreatic resections across diverse tumor entities. Methods: We will conduct a systematic search of the PubMed or MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases in strict accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The predefined outcomes encompass postoperative mortality, postoperative morbidity, overall and disease-free survival (1- to 5-year survival rates), the proportion of macroscopically complete (R0) resections (according to the Royal College of Pathologists definition), duration of hospital stay (in days), reoperation rate (%), postoperative complications (covering all complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification), as well as pancreatic fistula, postpancreatectomy hemorrhage, and delayed gastric emptying (all according to the definitions of the International Study Group of Pancreas Surgery). Results: Systematic database searches will begin in July 2024. The completion of the meta-analysis is anticipated by December 2024. Before completion, the literature search will be checked for new publications that must be considered in the context of the work. Conclusions: The forthcoming findings will provide an up-to-date overview of the feasibility, safety, and oncological efficacy of multivisceral pancreatic resections across diverse tumor entities. This data will serve as a valuable resource for health care professionals and patients to make well-informed clinical decisions. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/54089