T-tube vs no T-tube for biliary tract reconstruction in adult orthotopic liver transplantation: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Figure 1 Flowchart of selection process of randomized control trials and comparative studies. RCT: Randomized control trials; OLT: Orthotopic liver transplantation.

Figure 2 Biliary strictures. A: In the period from 1995 to 2010, odds ratio (OR) for biliary strictures between “T-tube” group and “without T-tube” group was calculated with a fixed-effects model. The shape of diamond represents the overall effect of OR with 95% confidence interval (CI). The use of T-tube decreased the incidence of biliary strictures; B: In the period from 2010 to 2020, OR for biliary strictures between “T-tube” group and “without T-tube” group was calculated with a random-effects model. The shape of diamond represents the overall effect of OR with 95%CI. There was no significant difference between the two groups. OR: Odds ratio; CI: Confidence interval.

Figure 3 Overall biliary complications. A: In the period from 1995 to 2010, odds ratio (OR) for overall biliary complications between “T-tube” group and “without T-tube” group was calculated with a random-effects model. The shape of diamond represents the overall effect of OR with 95% confidence interval (CI). The use of T-tube had no influence on occurrence of overall biliary complication; B: In the period from 2010 to 2020, OR for overall biliary complications between “T-tube” group and “without T-tube” group was calculated with a fixed-effects model. The shape of diamond represents the overall effect of OR with 95%CI. The occurrence of overall biliary complications was significantly higher in “T-tube” group. OR: Odds ratio; CI: Confidence interval.

Figure 4 Bile leaks. A: In the period from 1995 to 2010, odds ratio (OR) for peritonitis between “T-tube” group and “without T-tube” group was calculated with the fixed model. The shape of diamond represents the overall effect of OR with 95% confidence interval (CI). There was no significant difference between the two groups; B: In the period from 2010 to 2020, OR for peritonitis between “T-tube” group and “without T-tube” group was calculated with the fixed model. The shape of diamond represents the overall effect of OR with 95%CI. The incidence rate of bile leaks was significantly higher in “T-tube” group. OR: Odds ratio; CI: Confidence interval.

Figure 5 Cholangitis. A: In the period from 1995 to 2010, odds ratio (OR) for cholangitis between “T-tube” group and “without T-tube” group was calculated with a random-effects model. The shape of diamond represents the overall effect of OR with 95% confidence interval (CI). There was no significant difference between the two groups; B: In the period from 2010 to 2020, OR for peritonitis between “T-tube” group and “without T-tube” group was calculated with a fixed-effects model. The shape of diamond represents the overall effect of OR with 95%CI. The incidence rate of bile leaks was significantly higher in “T-tube” group. OR: Odds ratio; CI: Confidence interval.