Comparison 1. Blunt versus sharp suture needles.

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1 Glove perforation rate	10		Rate Ratio (Fixed, 95% CI)	0.46 [0.38, 0.54]
2 Needle Stick Injuries	5	1017	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.31 [0.14, 0.68]
3 Ease of use of Needle	1	400	Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	‐18.0 [‐28.64, ‐7.36]
4 Ease of use of needle	1	100	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.14 [1.01, 1.28]
5 Force needed	1	100	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.31 [0.19, 0.51]
6 Sensitivity to ROB	10		Rate Ratio (Fixed, 95% CI)	0.46 [0.38, 0.54]
6.1 High Risk of Bias	7		Rate Ratio (Fixed, 95% CI)	0.45 [0.38, 0.55]
6.2 Low Risk of Bias	3		Rate Ratio (Fixed, 95% CI)	0.46 [0.29, 0.72]
7 Subgroups Type of Operation	10		Risk Ratio (Fixed, 95% CI)	0.46 [0.38, 0.54]
7.1 Abdominal Closure and Cesarean Section	6		Risk Ratio (Fixed, 95% CI)	0.45 [0.37, 0.54]
7.2 Vaginal Repair	2		Risk Ratio (Fixed, 95% CI)	0.59 [0.30, 1.20]
7.3 Hip Replacement	2		Risk Ratio (Fixed, 95% CI)	0.43 [0.24, 0.76]