Table 1 Summary of studies included in the meta-analysis a
First author | Year | Study type | Comparison | Number of cases | Malignancy causing biliary obstruction | Age, yr | Males,% | Type of stent placed | Prophylactic antibiotics | Follow-up period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saluja | 2008 | RCT | PTBD vs. EBD | 27 vs. 27 | Carcinoma of the gallbladder | 51 vs. 50 | 37% vs. 30% | Plastic stent | Cefoperazone + sulbactam | 3 months |
Piñol | 2002 | RCT | PTBD vs. EBD | 28 vs. 26 | Primary carcinoma of the pancreas, gallbladder, or bile ducts, or to regional lymph node metastases | 75 vs. 70 | 43% vs. 42% | Metal stent | Ciprofloxacin | Median: 2.5 months |
Speer | 1987 | RCT | PTBD vs. EBD | 36 vs. 39 | Primary carcinoma of the pancreas, gallbladder, or bile ducts | 73 vs. 72.5 | NA | Plastic stent | NA | NA |