The Association of a Peritoneal Interposition Flap With Lymphocele Formation After Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection During Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association of a peritoneal interposition flap (PIF) with lymphocele formation following robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) with pelvic lymph node dissection.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through August 30, 2023, to identify randomized and nonrandomized studies comparing RALP with pelvic lymph node dissection with and without PIF. A random effects meta-analysis was then performed to evaluate the associations of PIF with 90-day postoperative outcomes.

Results: Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four observational studies, including a total of 2941 patients, were included. The use of PIF was associated with a reduced risk of 90-day symptomatic lymphocele formation after RALP when examining only RCTs (pooled odds ratios [OR] 0.44, 95% CI 0.28-0.69; I² =3%) and both RCTs and observational studies (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.22-0.56; I² =17%). Similarly, use of PIF was associated with a reduced risk of 90-day any lymphocele formation (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.28-0.56, I² =39%). There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications between the two groups (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.69-1.14; I² =20%).

Conclusion: Use of the PIF is associated with an approximately 50% reduced risk of symptomatic and any lymphocele formation within 90-days of surgery, and it is not associated with an increase in postoperative complications.