An Introduction to Meta-Analysis.

•Meta-analysis is a powerful tool that can be used to pool multiple studies and increase statistical power.•Performing a thorough and registered systematic review before the meta-analysis is essential to ensure that all pertinent studies are included.•Effect sizes should be carefully selected with well-designed summary statistics for analysis, such as incidence proportions, hazard ratios, and odds ratios.•Pooled effect sizes obtained from a meta-analysis must be interpreted in the context of the quality of each of the included studies.•Multiple methods exist to determine the presence and quantify the impact of study heterogeneity and publication bias.