Preoperative biliary drainage versus upfront surgery in moderately jaundiced patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy: A single-institution comparative study

Key Points

• To compare the effectiveness and safety of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) versus upfront surgery in patients with moderate jaundice prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy.
• Single-institution comparative study
• Compared outcomes of patients with moderate jaundice undergoing PBD versus upfront surgery
• Analyzed rates of surgical site infections, bile contamination, and costs.
• Upfront pancreaticoduodenectomy can be safely performed in moderate jaundice patients.
• Routine preoperative biliary drainage showed no clinical benefits.
• PBD was associated with higher rates of surgical site infections and bile contamination.