Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Congenital Anomalies: A Global and Regional Review Protocol.

Objective. Birth prevalence estimates for major congenital gastrointestinal anomalies are sparse. This paper serves as an in-depth, a priori systematic review protocol for our systematic review identifying and assessing studies reporting population-level birth prevalence estimates for gastrointestinal anomalies. Methods. We will use the Condition, Context, Population framework and will include studies reporting the population-level birth prevalence of gastroschisis, omphalocele, intestinal and esophageal atresia, Hirschsprung's disease, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and anorectal malformation in infants. We will assess bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Results. Results will be published in a separate paper, and will be stratified by World Bank income classification. Conclusion. Knowledge of the current prevalence of major congenital gastrointestinal anomalies is essential to efficient surgical resource planning. This review will compile existing global estimates of prevalence and incidence of common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies to support policy development.