OBJECTIVETo explore the risk factors of delayed gastric emptying after gastrectomy.

METHODSMeta-analysis was performed to screen risk factors of delayed gastric emptying after gastrectomy based on 19 associated articles published from 2003 to 2013.

RESULTSGender, operative time, blood loss during operation, surgical settings(emergency, elective surgery), radical surgery were not significantly different between two groups for delayed gastric emptying (all P>0.05). Age more than or equal to 60 years [combined odds ratio(OR)=1.65, 95% confidence interval(CI):1.31-2.09, P<0.01], preoperative gastrointestinal obstruction(combined OR=3.72, 95%CI:3.05-4.55, P<0.01), Billroth-II( (combined OR=3.35, 95%CI:2.72-4.13, P<0.01), anemia(combined OR=1.48, 95%CI:1.08-2.02, P=0.01), intra-abdominal complication (combined OR=2.41, 95%CI:1.77-3.29, P<0.01), perioperative blood glucose greater than 8 mmol/L(combined OR=2.64, 95%CI:2.00-3.49, P<0.01), postoperative albumin levels lower than 30 g/L (combined OR=2.13, 95%CI:1.62-2.79, P<0.01), use of analgesics pump after operation (combined OR=1.74, 95%CI:1.33-2.26, P<0.01), having adverse psychological reactions (combined OR=5.94, 95%CI:1.79-19.73, P=0.004) were risk factors affecting delayed gastric emptying.

CONCLUSIONAge more than or equal to 60, preoperative gastrointestinal obstruction, perioperative blood glucose greater than or equal to 8 mmol/L, postoperative albumin levels less than 30 g/L, Billroth-II(, anemia, intra-abdominal complication, using pain pump after operation, having adverse psychological reactions are risk factors affecting delayed gastric emptying after gastrectomy.