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.