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PharmacoEconomics Dec 2016Best-worst scaling (BWS) is becoming increasingly popular to elicit preferences in health care. However, little is known about current practice and trends in the use of... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Best-worst scaling (BWS) is becoming increasingly popular to elicit preferences in health care. However, little is known about current practice and trends in the use of BWS in health care. This study aimed to identify, review and critically appraise BWS in health care, and to identify trends over time in key aspects of BWS.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted, using Medline (via Pubmed) and EMBASE to identify all English-language BWS studies published up until April 2016. Using a predefined extraction form, two reviewers independently selected articles and critically appraised the study quality, using the Purpose, Respondents, Explanation, Findings, Significance (PREFS) checklist. Trends over time periods (≤2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015) were assessed further.
RESULTS
A total of 62 BWS studies were identified, of which 26 were BWS object case studies, 29 were BWS profile case studies and seven were BWS multi-profile case studies. About two thirds of the studies were performed in the last 2 years. Decreasing sample sizes and decreasing numbers of factors in BWS object case studies, as well as use of less complicated analytical methods, were observed in recent studies. The quality of the BWS studies was generally acceptable according to the PREFS checklist, except that most studies did not indicate whether the responders were similar to the non-responders.
CONCLUSION
Use of BWS object case and BWS profile case has drastically increased in health care, especially in the last 2 years. In contrast with previous discrete-choice experiment reviews, there is increasing use of less sophisticated analytical methods.
Topics: Choice Behavior; Decision Making; Delivery of Health Care; Humans; Patient Preference; Research Design; Sample Size
PubMed: 27402349
DOI: 10.1007/s40273-016-0429-5 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Sep 2023Optimal surgical management for gastric cancer remains controversial. We aimed to perform a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Optimal surgical management for gastric cancer remains controversial. We aimed to perform a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing outcomes after open gastrectomy (OG), laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy (LAG), and robotic gastrectomy (RG) for gastric cancer.
METHODS
A systematic search of electronic databases was undertaken. An NMA was performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-NMA guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using R and Shiny.
RESULTS
Twenty-two RCTs including 6890 patients were included. Overall, 49.6% of patients underwent LAG (3420/6890), 46.6% underwent OG (3212/6890), and 3.7% underwent RG (258/6890). At NMA, there was a no significant difference in recurrence rates following LAG (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-1.49) compared with OG. Similarly, overall survival (OS) outcomes were identical following OG and LAG (OS: OG, 87.0% [1652/1898] vs. LAG: OG, 87.0% [1650/1896]), with no differences in OS in meta-analysis (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.77-1.52). Importantly, patients undergoing LAG experienced reduced intraoperative blood loss, surgical incisions, distance from proximal margins, postoperative hospital stays, and morbidity post-resection.
CONCLUSIONS
LAG was associated with non-inferior oncological and surgical outcomes compared with OG. Surgical outcomes following LAG and RG superseded OG, with similar outcomes observed for both LAG and RG. Given these findings, minimally invasive approaches should be considered for the resection of local gastric cancer, once surgeon and institutional expertise allows.
Topics: Humans; Stomach Neoplasms; Network Meta-Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Gastrectomy; Laparoscopy; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 37261563
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-13654-6 -
Pediatric Surgery International Apr 2023Ladd's Procedure has been the surgical intervention of choice in the management of congenital intestinal malrotation for the past century. Historically, the procedure... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Ladd's Procedure has been the surgical intervention of choice in the management of congenital intestinal malrotation for the past century. Historically, the procedure included performing an appendectomy to prevent future misdiagnosis of appendicitis, since the location of the appendix will be shifted to the left side of the abdomen. This study consists of two parts. A review of the available literature on appendectomy as part of Ladd's procedure and then a survey sent to pediatric surgeons about their approach (to remove the appendix or not) while performing a Ladd's procedure and the clinical reasoning behind their approach.
METHODS
The study consists of 2 parts: (1) a systematic review was performed to extract articles that fulfill the inclusion criteria; (2) a short online survey was designed and sent by email to 168 pediatric surgeons. The questions in the survey were centered on whether a surgeon performs an appendectomy as part of the Ladd's procedure or not, as well as their reasoning behind either choice.
RESULTS
The literature search yielded five articles, the data from the available literature are inconsistent with performing appendectomy as part of Ladd's procedure. The challenge of leaving the appendix in place has been briefly described with minimal to no focus on the clinical reasoning. The survey demonstrated that 102 responses were received (60% response rate). Ninety pediatric surgeons stated performing an appendectomy as part of the procedure (88%). Only 12% of pediatric surgeons are not performing appendectomy during Ladd's procedure.
CONCLUSION
It is difficult to implement a modification in a successful procedure like Ladd's procedure. The majority of pediatric surgeons perform an appendectomy as part of its original description. This study has identified gaps in the literature pertaining to analyze the outcomes of performing Ladd's procedure without an appendectomy which should be explored in future research.
Topics: Child; Humans; Appendectomy; Laparoscopy; Intestinal Volvulus; Digestive System Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 37010655
DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05437-7 -
Age and Ageing Sep 2017Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are increasingly common. This article aims to provide guidance for people conducting systematic reviews relevant to the healthcare... (Review)
Review
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are increasingly common. This article aims to provide guidance for people conducting systematic reviews relevant to the healthcare of older people. An awareness of these issues will also help people reading systematic reviews to determine whether the results will influence their clinical practice. It is essential that systematic reviews are performed by a team which includes the required technical and clinical expertise. Those performing reviews for the first time should ensure they have appropriate training and support. They must be planned and performed in a transparent and methodologically robust way: guidelines are available. The protocol should be written-and if possible published-before starting the review. Geriatricians will be interested in a table of baseline characteristics, which will help to determine if the studied samples or populations are similar to their patients. Reviews of studies of older people should consider how they will manage issues such as different age cut-offs; non-specific presentations; multiple predictors and outcomes; potential biases and confounders. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses may provide evidence to improve older people's care, or determine where new evidence is required. Newer methodologies, such as meta-analyses of individual level data, network meta-analyses and umbrella reviews, and realist synthesis, may improve the reliability and clinical utility of systematic reviews.
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Biomedical Research; Evidence-Based Medicine; Geriatrics; Health Services Research; Health Services for the Aged; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Middle Aged; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Research Design; Review Literature as Topic
PubMed: 28655142
DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afx105 -
World Journal of Surgery Nov 2017Adrenalectomy can be performed via open and various minimally invasive approaches. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the current evidence on surgical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Adrenalectomy can be performed via open and various minimally invasive approaches. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the current evidence on surgical techniques of adrenalectomy.
METHODS
Systematic literature searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing at least two surgical procedures for adrenalectomy. Statistical analyses were performed, and meta-analyses were conducted. Furthermore, an indirect comparison of RCTs and a network meta-analysis of CCTs were carried out for each outcome.
RESULTS
Twenty-six trials (1710 patients) were included. Postoperative complication rates did not show differences for open and minimally invasive techniques. Operation time was significantly shorter for open adrenalectomy than for the robotic approach (p < 0.001). No differences were found between laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Network meta-analysis showed open adrenalectomy to be the fastest technique. Blood loss was significantly reduced in the robotic arm compared with open and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (p = 0.01). Length of hospital stay (LOS) was significantly lower after conventional laparoscopy than open adrenalectomy in CCTs (p < 0.001). Furthermore, both retroperitoneoscopic (p < 0.001) and robotic access (p < 0.001) led to another significant reduction of LOS compared with conventional laparoscopy. This difference was not consistent in RCTs. Network meta-analysis revealed the lowest LOS after retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy.
CONCLUSION
Minimally invasive adrenalectomy is safe and should be preferred over open adrenalectomy due to shorter LOS, lower blood loss, and equivalent complication rates. The retroperitoneoscopic access features the shortest LOS and operating time. Further high-quality RCTs are warranted, especially to compare the posterior retroperitoneoscopic and the transperitoneal robotic approach.
Topics: Adrenalectomy; Blood Loss, Surgical; Humans; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Network Meta-Analysis; Operative Time; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Robotic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 28634842
DOI: 10.1007/s00268-017-4095-3 -
European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology,... Nov 2023There is no consensus on the role of surgery in the treatment of chronic rhinitis (CR). Should it be considered when nasal symptoms are not controlled by medical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
There is no consensus on the role of surgery in the treatment of chronic rhinitis (CR). Should it be considered when nasal symptoms are not controlled by medical treatment? Various targets (turbinates and secretory nerves) and techniques (surgical, laser, cryotherapy, radiofrequency and phototherapy) have been reported, but benefit varies between reports. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate results of surgical and instrumental procedures in CR care.
METHODS
Two systematic reviews of the US National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases were conducted in October 15, 2021 (registration numbers CRD42021284257 and CRD42021295227). A database watch was performed until submission of the manuscript. The review focuses on total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and quality of life (QoL) after treatment. All controlled studies reporting nasal surgery/instrumental procedures in adult patients with CR were included.
RESULTS
The database search yielded a total of 5628 articles; after eligibility screening, 2091 patients were included from 21 studies. QoL results favored surgery/instrumental procedures over medical treatment (SMD -1.27; 95% CI [-2.38; -0.16]; I=97%), as did TNSS (SMD -1.40; 95% CI [-2.30; -0.50]; I=98%). The small number of studies and their heterogeneity did not allow meta-regression to be performed.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review supports the use of surgical/instrumental procedures to improve nasal symptom score and QoL of adult patients with CR poorly controlled by medical treatment.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Rhinitis; Quality of Life; Research Design; Nose; Rhinitis, Allergic
PubMed: 37867008
DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2023.10.009 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Nov 2022: Pregnancies that occur with an intrauterine device (IUD) in situ are at increased risk for developing severe conditions which may affect the fetus and the mother. The... (Review)
Review
: Pregnancies that occur with an intrauterine device (IUD) in situ are at increased risk for developing severe conditions which may affect the fetus and the mother. The incidence of such adverse consequences significantly drops after device removal. A scoping review of the literature was performed to highlight the risks, benefits, and outcomes of hysteroscopic removal of intrauterine devices in early pregnancy. : PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. The review included all reports from 1990 to October 2022. The research strategy adopted included different combinations of the following terms: ("hysteroscopy") AND ("pregnancy") AND ("intrauterine device" or "IUD") AND ("intrauterine system" or "IUS"). A scoping review of the hysteroscopic removal of IUDs during pregnancy was performed. All studies identified were listed by citation, title, authors, and abstract. Duplicates were identified by an independent manual screening performed by two researchers and then removed. For the eligibility process, two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of all non-duplicated papers and excluded those not pertinent to the topic. : PRISMA guidelines were followed. Nine manuscripts were detected, accounting for 153 patients. Most IUD removals occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy. Most of the time, the procedure was safe and without consequences. : This review highlights the safety and efficacy of operative hysteroscopy as a method of IUD removal in early pregnancy. We recommend using a 3 to 5 mm hysteroscope, avoiding cervical dilation, and maintaining low infusion pressure during the procedure to avoid potential damage to the gestational sac and IUD fragment displacement. Heating the distension media to 30 °C should be considered.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Hysteroscopy; Research Design; Fetus
PubMed: 36422228
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58111688 -
World Journal of Emergency Surgery :... Jan 2023A series of randomized controlled trials have investigated the efficacy and safety of different timings of interventions and methods of intervention. However, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
A series of randomized controlled trials have investigated the efficacy and safety of different timings of interventions and methods of intervention. However, the optimal treatment strategy is not yet clear.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Library until November 30, 2022. A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis were performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Trials comparing different treatment strategies for necrotizing pancreatitis were included. This study was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42022364409) to ensure transparency.
RESULTS
We analyzed a total of 10 studies involving 570 patients and 8 treatment strategies. Although no statistically significant differences were identified comparing odds ratios, trends were confirmed by the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) scores. The interventions with a low rate of mortality were delayed surgery (DS), delayed surgical step-up approach (DSU) and delayed endoscopic step-up approach (DEU), while the interventions with a low rate of major complications were DSU, DEU and DS. According to the clustered ranking plot, DSU performed the best overall in reducing mortality and major complications, while DD performed the worst. Analysis of the secondary endpoints confirmed the superiority of DEU and DSU in terms of individual components of major complications (organ failure, pancreatic fistula, bleeding, and visceral organ or enterocutaneous fistula), exocrine insufficiency, endocrine insufficiency and length of stay. Overall, DSU was superior to other interventions.
CONCLUSION
DSU was the optimal treatment strategy for necrotizing pancreatitis. Drainage alone should be avoided in clinical practice. Any interventions should be postponed for at least 4 weeks if possible. The step-up approach was preferred.
Topics: Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Bayes Theorem; Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing; Drainage
PubMed: 36707836
DOI: 10.1186/s13017-023-00479-7 -
BMJ Open Nov 2023The optimal puncture technique for neuraxial anaesthesia in different populations is unclear. We sought to obtain data from randomised controlled trials comparing the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
The optimal puncture technique for neuraxial anaesthesia in different populations is unclear. We sought to obtain data from randomised controlled trials comparing the impact of ultrasound-guided technology and traditional positioning technology on the success rate of neuraxial anaesthesia.
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis using study populations, interventions, intervention comparisons, outcome measures and study types.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of science were searched until 31 September 2022.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials comparing three types of neuraxial anaesthesia: ultrasound-assisted, ultrasound real-time guidance and conventional positioning to describe which neuraxial anaesthesia modality is best for patients and to recommend the appropriate one for different populations.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Five independent reviewers retrieved, screened and edited included studies using standardised methods. Assess risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration and Evidence Project tools. Network meta-analysis was performed using STATA V.15 statistical software.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies containing three different interventions were included. The SUCRA values of first-pass success rates for the three neuraxial anaesthesia methods were real-time guidance (82.8%), ultrasound-assisted (67.1%) and traditional positioning (0.1%). Both ultrasound techniques improved first-pass success rates compared with traditional localization, but there was no significant difference between the two. Subgroup analysis showed that the use of real-time ultrasound guidance for neuraxial anaesthesia in pregnant and patients with obesity improved first-pass success rates. Ultrasound-assisted technology can improve first-attempt success rates in older patients with abnormal lumbar spine anatomy.
CONCLUSION
Compared with conventional positioning, ultrasound guidance technology can improve the first-pass success rate of neuraxial anaesthesia, but there is no significant difference between ultrasound-assisted and real-time guidance technology. The results of subgroup analysis tell us that the most suitable neuraxial anaesthesia method is different for different groups of people.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO number: CRD42022376041.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Network Meta-Analysis; Spinal Puncture; Anesthesia, Epidural; Lumbar Vertebrae; Ultrasonography, Interventional
PubMed: 37918920
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071253 -
Contemporary Clinical Trials Nov 2015Individual participant data (IPD) systematic reviews and meta-analyses are often considered to be the gold standard for meta-analysis. In the ten years since the first... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Individual participant data (IPD) systematic reviews and meta-analyses are often considered to be the gold standard for meta-analysis. In the ten years since the first review into the methodology and reporting practice of IPD reviews was published much has changed in the field. This paper investigates current reporting and statistical practice in IPD systematic reviews.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed to identify systematic reviews that collected and analysed IPD. Data were extracted from each included publication on a variety of issues related to the reporting of IPD review process, and the statistical methods used.
RESULTS
There has been considerable growth in the use of "one-stage" methods to perform IPD meta-analyses. The majority of reviews consider at least one covariate other than the primary intervention, either using subgroup analysis or including covariates in one-stage regression models. Random-effects analyses, however, are not often used. Reporting of review methods was often limited, with few reviews presenting a risk-of-bias assessment. Details on issues specific to the use of IPD were little reported, including how IPD were obtained; how data was managed and checked for consistency and errors; and for how many studies and participants IPD were sought and obtained.
CONCLUSION
While the last ten years have seen substantial changes in how IPD meta-analyses are performed there remains considerable scope for improving the quality of reporting for both the process of IPD systematic reviews, and the statistical methods employed in them. It is to be hoped that the publication of the PRISMA-IPD guidelines specific to IPD reviews will improve reporting in this area.
Topics: Data Accuracy; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Research Design; Review Literature as Topic
PubMed: 26091948
DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2015.06.012