Minimally invasive techniques for transthoracic oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer: systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: Oesophagectomy is a demanding operation that can be performed by different approaches including open surgery or a combination of minimal access techniques. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of open, minimally invasive and robotic oesophagectomy techniques for oesophageal cancer.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for studies reporting open oesophagectomy, laparoscopically assisted oesophagectomy (LAO), thoracoscopically assisted oesophagectomy (TAO), totally minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIO) or robotic MIO (RAMIO) for oesophagectomy.

Perioperative outcomes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is increasingly performed in an ever ageing population; however, the risks are poorly quantified. The study aims to review the current evidence to quantify further the postoperative risk of cholecystectomy in the elderly population compared to younger patients.

Method: A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases were conducted including studies reporting laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the elderly population.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with liver transplants: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Despite increasing reports of pregnancy in liver transplant recipients, questions remain about the impact of transplantation in pregnancy.

Methods: This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and eligible studies were identified through a search of PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane CENTRAL databases up to 26th December 2019 for studies reporting pregnancy with liver transplant. A meta-analysis was conducted with the use of random-effects modelling and prospectively registered with the PROSPERO database.

Meta-analysis of prognostic factors of overall survival in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer.

Introduction: Currently, the American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) staging system is used for prognostication for oesophageal cancer. However, several prognostically important factors have been reported but not incorporated. This meta-analysis aimed to characterize the impact of preoperative, operative, and oncological factors on the prognosis of patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer.

Critical appraisal of the impact of surgical repair of type II-IV paraoesophageal hernia (POH) on pulmonary improvement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Paraoesophageal hernia (POH) comprising type II-IV hiatal hernia often presents with pulmonary symptoms such as shortness of breath. However, impact of surgical repair on improvement in pulmonary symptoms is unclear.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at characterising impact of POH repair on patient reported improvement in pulmonary symptoms.

Risk factors and outcomes associated with anastomotic leaks following esophagectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Anastomotic leaks (AL) are a major complication after esophagectomy. This meta-analysis aimed to determine identify risks factors for AL (preoperative, intra-operative, and post-operative factors) and assess the consequences to outcome on patients who developed an AL. This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines, and eligible studies were identified through a search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases up to 31 December 2018.

Critical Appraisal of the Impact of Oesophageal Stents in the Management of Oesophageal Anastomotic Leaks and Benign Oesophageal Perforations: An Updated Systematic Review.

Introduction: Endoscopic placement of oesophageal stents may be used in benign oesophageal perforation and oesophageal anastomotic leakage to control sepsis and reduce mortality and morbidity by avoiding thoracotomy. This updated systematic review aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of oesophageal stents in these two scenarios.

Methods: A systematic literature search of all published studies reporting use of metallic and plastic stents in the management of post-operative anastomotic leaks, spontaneous and iatrogenic oesophageal perforations were identified.