American college of surgeons NSQIP pancreatic surgery publications: A critical appraisal of the quality of methodological reporting

The use of ACS-NSQIP has increased in pancreatic surgery (PS) research. The aim of this study is to critically appraise the methodological reporting of PS publications utilizing the ACS-NSQIP database. PubMed was queried for all PS studies employing the ACS-NSQIP database published between 2004 and 2021. Critical appraisal was performed using the JAMA-Surgery Checklist, STROBE Statement, and RECORD Statement. A total of 86 studies were included. Median scores for number of fulfilled criteria for the JAMA-Surgery Checklist, STROBE Statement, and RECORD Statement were 6, 20, and 6 respectively. The most commonly unfulfilled criteria were those relating to discussion of missed data, compliance with IRB, unadjusted and adjusted outcomes, providing supplementary/raw information, and performing subgroup analyses. An overall satisfactory reporting of methodology is present among PS studies utilizing the ACS-NSQIP database. Areas for improved adherence include discussing missed data, providing supplementary information, and performing subgroup analysis. Due to the increasing role of large-scale databases, enhanced adherence to reporting guidelines may advance PS research. •An overall satisfactory reporting of methodology is present among pancreatic surgery studies using the ACS-NSQIP database.•Discussing missed data, providing supplementary information, and performing subgroup analysis is needed to increase adherence.•Pancreatic surgery articles published in low impact factor journal provided better methodological reporting.•The most commonly studied pancreatic surgery using the NSQIP database was the pancreaticoduodenectomy procedure.