Systematic Mapping Review of Orthognathic Surgery (Protocol).

Study design: This document details the planning phase of a systematic mapping review.

Objective: The objective of this mapping review is to identify, describe, and organize evidence currently available from systematic reviews and primary studies regarding different co-interventions and surgical modalities used in orthognathic surgery (OS) and their outcomes.

Methods: Systematic reviews (SRs), randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies that evaluate perioperative OS co-interventions and surgical modalities will be identified in an exhaustive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, Lilacs, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. Grey literature will also be screened.

Results: Expected results include identification of all PICO questions available in the evidence regarding OS and generation of evidence bubble maps, involving a matrix of all identified co-interventions, surgical modalities, and outcomes presented in the studies. This will achieve identification of research gaps and prioritization of new research questions.

Conclusions: The significance of this review will result in a systematic identification and characterization of the available evidence, leading to a reduction in research waste and a guidance of future efforts in developing studies for unsolved questions.