Fig. 1. Study flow diagram according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines.

Fig. 2. Forest plots showing overall clinical success of endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure in the management of esophageal perforations.

Fig. 3. Forest plots showing clinical success of endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure in complete restoration of the esophageal postsurgical anastomotic leak (A) and the esophageal perforation (B).

Fig. 4. Funnel plot showing no publication bias for overall clinical success of endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure in the management of esophageal perforations.

Fig. 5. Forest plots showing endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure-related mortality in the esophageal perforations.

Fig. 6. Funnel plot showing no publication bias for endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure-related mortality in patients with esophageal perforations.

Graphical abstract