Comparative Efficacy of Endoscopic Versus Open Surgical Techniques in the Management of Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Systematic Review

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a clinical condition that can arise from both benign and malignant causes, requiring effective management strategies to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Traditionally, open surgical techniques like gastrojejunostomy (GJ) have been the standard treatment, but recent advances in minimally invasive procedures, such as endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE), offer alternative approaches with potentially reduced morbidity. This systematic review compared the efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of endoscopic versus open surgical techniques in managing GOO. A comprehensive search of major electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus, identified relevant studies published from January 2014 to September 2024. The analysis included randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and meta-analyses involving a total of 8,540 patients. Results indicated that EUS-GE showed high technical and clinical success rates (91-94% and 88-89.9%, respectively) and lower complication rates (6.8-13.1%) compared to open surgical approaches, which were associated with higher perioperative risks but demonstrated better long-term outcomes in specific scenarios, such as malignant GOO. The findings suggest that while endoscopic techniques are preferable for patients with high surgical risk, open surgery may still be necessary in complex cases. Further research, including randomized controlled trials and long-term studies, is recommended to refine these strategies and improve clinical decision-making. This review underscores the importance of tailored treatment approaches in optimizing the management of GOO, balancing efficacy, safety, and patient-centered outcomes.