DATA SOURCE: PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched from inception to 31 December 2023 with no restrictions on the setting or design of studies.
REVIEW METHODS: Data were pooled using a random effects model to assess the success and complication rates between the two surgical techniques.
RESULTS: A total of 26 studies were identified with a total of 1263 children. Persistent TCF was surgically treated with primary closure in 24 studies (n = 898), whereas healing by secondary intention was reported in 12 studies (n = 366). The success rate following primary closure and healing by secondary intention is 97.3% (95% CI: 95.7%-99.0%) and 94.0% (95% CI: 91.2%-96.7%), respectively. The pooled rate of complications following primary closure was 14.1% (95% CI: 8.9%-19.4%) and 8.4% (95% CI: 3.4%-13.3%) following healing by secondary intention.
CONCLUSION: Based on the pooled results, healing by secondary intention is a safer surgical option in children with persistent TCF.