Is single tract jejunal interposition better than double tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy?

Double tract reconstruction (DTR) is the main digestive tract reconstruction method after proximal gastrectomy (PG). Single tract jejunal interposition (STJI) derived from the double tract reconstruction is also increasingly used in clinical practice. However, there is still a great controversy as to which of the two reconstruction methods can achieve better results. In this study, we systematically reviewed studies on DTR and STJI after PG and performed a meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for clinical studies comparing DTR and STJI after PG to December 2021 without language restriction. Review Manager (version5.4) software was used to perform meta-analysis on operative outcomes, postoperative complications and nutritional outcomes. The protocol for this meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022301455). Five randomized controlled trials involving 453 patients were included in the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between DTR and STJI in terms of intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, incidence of reflux esophagitis, anastomotic complications and total complications. The operation time of STJI group was longer than that of DTR group [WMD - 0.79; 95% CI (- 1.55, - 0.03)] [heterogeneity: χ2 = 4.94, df = 3 (P = 0.18); I2 = 39%, test for overall effect: Z = 2.04 (P = 0.04)]. The body weight of STJI group was significantly higher than that of DTR group at 6 months after surgery [WMD 3.90; 95% CI (0.56, 7.23)] [heterogeneity: τ2 = 7.67, χ2 = 19.76, df = 2 (P < 0.0001); I2 = 90%, test for overall effect: Z = 2.29 (P = 0.02)]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of DTR and STJI after PG. There were no significant differences in operative outcomes and postoperative complications between DTR and STJI after PG. Although STJI prolonged the operation time compared to DTR, postoperative nutritional outcomes of patients in the STJI group was significantly better than that in the DTR group. Therefore, compared to DTR, STJI may be more suitable for the vast majority of patients undergoing PG due to its better postoperative nutritional status.