PURPOSE: Conduct a narrative review about systematic review. DATA SOURCE: We searched the Cochrane Methodology Register, MEDLINE, LILACS, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library (2000 to January 2007). We also handsearched reference lists, and used personal communications. SELECTION OF STUDIES: This was supplemented with a search strategy in Medline using the following combinations of MeSH-terms "Meta-Analysis" [Publication Type] AND "Evidence-Based Medicine" [MeSH] Limits:Publication Date from 2000 to 2007, Humans. Systematic Reviews. In LILACS: (metanalise) or "METANALISE" [Descritor de assunto] and [medicina baseada em evidências] or "MEDICINA BASEADA EM EVIDÊNCIAS" [Descritor de assunto]. In The Cochrane Methodology Review Group and Google Scholar: "revisão sistemática e metanálise"; "medicina baseada em evidências". After independent review by two observers, ten articles that specifically addressed the stated purpose were selected. DATA SYNTHESIS: The subjects assessed in these studies were grouped into two categories, ie, those addressing the history of systematic review, and the definitions of Evidence-Based Medicine, Systematic Review, Narrative Review and Meta-Analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The authors find that further discussion on systematic review should be encouraged among surgeons.
Communication; Systematic review; Meta-analysis; Review literature; Narrative review; Evidence-Based Medicine