The synthesis of scientific shreds of evidence: a critical appraisal on systematic review and meta-analysis methodology.

Synthesising results across studies to recognise the causes of variation in outcomes and to reach an overall understanding of a problem is a crucial part of the scientific method. Until in recent times, the results of scientific findings have been summarised in narrative reviews where the summary of transparent and objective results have become increasingly difficult. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, conducted by subsequent strict protocols to guarantee reproducibility and decrease bias, have become more common in the synthesis of evidence.

Informations de copyright

2020 Journal of Thoracic Disease. All rights reserved.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Conflicts of Interest: Both authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/jtd.2020.03.07). The series “Early Stage Lung Cancer: Sublobar Resections are a Choice?” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. LB serves as an unpaid editorial board member of Journal of Thoracic Disease from Jan 2016 to Dec 2021. LS has no other conflicts of interest to declare.