JAMA Network Open | 2021
Characteristics of Randomized Clinical Trials in Surgery From 2008 to 2020
Abstract
Key Points Question How have the design, conduct, and reporting of surgical randomized clinical trials changed from 2008 to 2020? Findings In this systematic review of 388 randomized clinical trials, the sizes of surgical trials were small and the focus was on minor clinical events. Trial registration remained suboptimal and discrepancies with the published protocol and reporting bias were frequent. Few trials controlled for surgeon experience or assessed the quality of the intervention. Meaning Results of this study suggest that improvements in the design, implementation, and reporting of future randomized clinical trials in surgery are warranted.