Fig. 4

Pooled risk ratio for mortality grouped according to intervention type (11 meta-analyzed studies). Anastomotic stricture grouped by intervention type. Stapled anastomosis intervention compared to hand-sewn (a). Omentoplasty intervention compared conventional anastomosis (hand-sewn or stapled or hand-sewn anastomosis) (b). Early  nasogastric tube removal (or no nasogastric tube) intervention compared to prolonged nasogastric tube removal (c). Overall mortality reported across studies except when marked (*) as 30-day mortality. LCL, lower confidence limit; UCL, upper confidence limit; RR, risk ratio; POP, population size