Combining data from multiple studies: An introduction to meta-analysis in paediatric surgery

Evidence-based medicine mandates that the best available evidence should be used to inform clinical decision making. Though there is a paucity of high level evidence within paediatric surgery generally, randomised controlled trials in this age group have become more frequent recently. This article reviews the statistical basis behind effective systematic reviews and meta-analysis for the practising clinician and is based on an invited lecture to the Experimental Research Club within the BAPS/EUPSA Congress, Rome, Italy, June 2012.