Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing perioperative outcomes of emergency appendectomy performed by trainee vs trained surgeon

•A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed.•Compared outcomes of appendectomy performed by trainees versus trained surgeons.•Included 29 studies, reporting on 135,358 participants•No difference in morbidity, operative blood loss, or conversion to open surgery.•Trainees had longer operating time, but shorter hospital stay and less reoperations.•Appendectomy performed by trainees does not compromise patient safety.