The British journal of surgery
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Review Meta Analysis
Meta-analysis of the effect of warm humidified insufflation on pain after laparoscopy.
Studies on the use of warmed and humidified insufflation (WHI) in laparoscopic abdominal procedures to reduce pain have been inconclusive owing to small sample sizes. ⋯ WHI reduces pain after laparoscopy.
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Publication bias occurs when statistically non-significant (negative) findings are not published. It can profoundly affect the results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. ⋯ Accepted quality standards for the reporting of meta-analyses recommend assessment of publication bias, but currently there is no uniform standard for reporting. Quantitative methods are being used with increasing frequency. Authors should take steps to minimize publication bias, and use both qualitative and quantitative assessment methods to determine whether it is present.