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    3 Committee considerations

    The evidence

    3.1 NICE did a rapid review of the published literature on the efficacy and safety of this procedure. This comprised a comprehensive literature search and detailed review of the evidence from 9 sources, which was discussed by the committee. The evidence included 1 systematic review (of 1 randomised controlled trial and 5 retrospective studies), 1 randomised controlled trial, 2 prospective case series and 5 retrospective cohort studies. It is presented in the summary of key evidence section in the interventional procedures overview. Other relevant literature is in the appendix of the overview.

    3.2 The professional experts and the committee considered the key efficacy outcome to be: procedure success.

    3.3 The professional experts and the committee considered the key safety outcomes to be: pain, bleeding, infection, organ injury, vaginal prolapse, dyspareunia.

    3.4 There were 48 responses from people who have had this procedure, which were discussed by the committee.

    Committee comments

    3.5 Training for this procedure is essential and should include mentoring.

    3.6 Clinical experts emphasised the importance of additional research. Concerns were expressed about the generalisability of study results from high-volume centres to smaller practices. To gain a deeper understanding of this procedure's outcomes, the committee encourages further research through well-designed, suitably powered randomised controlled trials, or the use of registry data and audits.

    3.7 The committee was informed that contraindications to this procedure include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis and previous rectal surgery.

    3.8 The committee noted that there are multiple methods and ports to do this procedure.

    3.9 It is important that further evidence is captured on patient selection and long-term outcomes (particularly vaginal prolapse).

    3.10 The committee was informed that this procedure is of particular benefit to people with a high BMI or a history of bowel surgery (for example, colectomy). This is because of improved operative function and view compared with laparoscopic surgeries.

    Tom Clutton-Brock
    Chair, interventional procedures advisory committee
    April 2023

    ISBN: