Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion.
Specific interventions included in the review
Comparisons of single-layer versus double-layer anastomosis after intestinal resection were eligible for inclusion. The included studies used a range of suture materials. A range of techniques was used for the single-layer approach; for the double-layer approach, a continuous suture was most commonly used for the inner suture and interrupted Lambert technique for the outer layer.
Participants included in the review
Studies of patients undergoing intestinal resection were eligible for inclusion. The mean age of the participants ranged from 3.7 to 64.6 years and the proportion of males from 37.9 to 64.6%.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The studies had to report on leakage to be included. Other outcomes in the included studies were mortality, duration of anastomosis procedure, duration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), length of hospital stay, risk of wound infection and cost of sutures.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Authors selected articles independently, with any differences resolved by consensus between all authors.