de Liguori Carino N, Baltatzis M, Maroso F, et al. - A propensity-matched comparison was made between patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing surgery, with vs without biliary stenting; and an intention to treat analysis of long-term survival was done between the two groups.

• An observational study of 216 consecutive patients presenting with obstructive jaundice and undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic and periampullary malignancies.

• The fast-track pathway was followed in 70 patients and preoperative biliary drainage was conducted in 146 patients.

• Surgery was required in all 70 patients in the FT group and 122 out of 146 in the PBD group (100% and 83.6% respectively).

• The two groups were comparable in terms of postoperative outcomes including complications, readmission and mortality rates.

• Based on outcomes, researchers suggest avoiding preoperative biliary drainage as the best approach for a person with pancreatic cancer who is proceeding to surgery.