Review for 10.1186/s12876-022-02220-1 (2022)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
The role of faecal calprotectin in diagnosis and staging of colorectal
neoplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Version: 
0 
Date: 
13 Dec 2021
Reviewer's report:
I congratulate the authors on a rigorously performed systematic review. 
1.The previous systematic review on this topic by Ye, et al (Turk J Gastroenterol.
2018 Jul; 29(4): 397-405) had 20 studies included and current systematic review
significantly adds to the existing literature with many more studies. It is worth
referencing this prior systematic review in discussion and mentioning how
current study adds to it.
2. The overall presentation of results may be simplified, I suggest removing table
2 and removing 'comments' column in table 3. 
3. Also suggest removing table 7.
4. Please expand about publication bias. Suggest adding a figure for Funnel plot
for CRC and adenomas. This may be added as supplement.
5. Suggest adding a figure of Fagan's plot for the post-test probability of CRC,
this will be valuable tool for the practicing gastroenterologist.
6. Expand on limitations of the study. Expand on inherent limitation of using a
random effect model, weightage given to smaller studies.
7. The methods section remains weak, kindly add on statistical methods and data
extraction.
8. How was advanced adenomas defined? please define CRC, adenoma
(traditional vs serrated was there differentiation?), advanced adenoma in
methods. If there is heterogeneity in definition of advanced adenoma based on
study, recommend removing advanced adenoma from this study and focussing
on adenoma and CRC
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use
of appropriate controls), and are the conclusions supported by the evidence
presented?
Yes
Are the methods sufficiently described to allow the study to be repeated?
Yes
Is the use of statistics and treatment of uncertainties appropriate?
Yes
Is the presentation of the work clear?
Yes
Are the images in this manuscript (including electrophoretic gels and blots) free
from apparent manipulation?
Yes