ObjectiveTo systematically review efficacy application of fibrin glue (FG) after thyroidectomy.MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, CBM, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP databases were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the use of FG after thyroidectomy from inception to October 29th, 2019. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 15 RCTs involving 2 406 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with non-FG group, the use of FG could reduce postoperative drainage amount at the initial 24 hours (MD=−17.98, 95%CI −28.35 to −7.60, P=0.000 7), total amount of wound drainage (MD=−40.92, 95%CI −46.25 to −35.59, P<0.000 01), and postoperative discomfort (RR=0.48, 95%CI 0.35 to 0.66, P<0.000 01), as well as shorten drainage time (MD=−9.99, 95%CI −15.74 to −4.23, P=0.000 7) and stitches removal time (MD=−1.49, 95%CI −2.1 to −0.87, P<0.000 01). However, there was no statistically significant difference concerning postoperative short-term complications such as swelling (RR=0.78, 95%CI 0.48 to 1.28, P=0.32), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (RR=0.83, 95%CI 0.21 to 3.29, P=0.79) and wound infection (RR=0.28, 95%CI 0.07 to 1.21, P=0.09) between two groups.ConclusionsThe current evidence shows that FG can reduce postoperative drainage amount and shorten postoperative recovery time in thyroidectomy. Due to the limited quality and quantity of included studies, more high quality studies are required to verify above conclusions.