LAUSR

Abstract Background: Many studies have been conducted to compare the hand-sewn and mechanical staples in esophageal cancer (EC) patients who received esophagogastric anastomosis. However, the results remain controversial. Hence, the purpose of the meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of different anastomosis methods on the early and long-term outcomes. Methods: We will perform a systematic electronic search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science for relevant articles published in English language. Pooled odds ratios will be calculated for the effect on discrete variables including anastomotic leakage, anastomotic strictures, 30-day mortality, quality of life, cardiac and pulmonary complications. The weighted mean difference was calculated for the effect size on continuous variables such as operative time and bleeding amount. We will use the software Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 14.0 to perform the meta-analysis to calculate the data synthesis. Results: The review will provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence of the impact of different anastomosis methods on postoperative course in ECs after esophagectomy. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis will compare the different anastomosis methods in EC patients. The results will better offer some specific suggestions for esophagogastric anastomosis. PROSPERO registration number: This systematic review protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO network (No. CRD 42019109523).