External pancreatic duct stent reduces pancreatic fistula: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

•External pancreatic duct stenting reduces postoperative pancreatic fistula formation following pancreaticoduodenectomy.•The use of an external stent was also found to significantly lessen length of hospital stay.•There was no significant difference in operative time and intraoperative blood loss between stent and non-stent groups.