Lacunae in meta-analyses of Pharyngocutaneous fistula after
laryngectomy: A bibliometric study
Abstract
Objective -The objective of this study was to systematically
assess the meta-analyes to determine the lacunae in the literature for
PCF following laryngectomy. Methods – Bibliometric analysis on
Meta-analyses on PCF after total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer in
PubMed Database. Results – twenty-four meta-analyses were
considered eligible and chosen for analysis, Six meta-analyses (25%)
focused on the risk factors for PCF in TL. Four meta-analyses (16.6%)
on the role of onlay flap. Four meta-analyses (16.6%) focused on the
timing of feed initiation. Three meta-analyses (12.5%) on using stapler
for pharyngeal closure. Two meta-analyses on types of pharyngeal
reconstruction. Other meta-analysis analysed the use of salivary bypass
tubes, the method of pharyngeal closure, organ preservation protocols on
PCF, primary and secondary TEP and the effect of non-surgical treatment
on PCF. Conclusion - Despite the plenty of published
meta-analysis, there is a lack of scrutiny on some critical aspects of
PCF.