Guidance
3 Committee considerations
The evidence
3.1 To inform the committee, 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 8 sources, which was discussed by the committee. The evidence included 2 systematic reviews, 1 randomised controlled trial, 3 retrospective comparative studies and 2 case series, and is presented in table 2 of the interventional procedures overview. Other relevant literature is in the appendix of the overview.
3.2 The specialist advisers and the committee considered the key efficacy outcomes to be: ablation of the sinus, prevention of recurrence, and improved quality of life.
3.3 The specialist advisers and the committee considered the key safety outcomes to be: bleeding and infection.
3.4 Patient commentary was sought but none was received.
Committee comments
3.5 The committee noted that the procedure needs specialised instrumentation and appropriate training.
3.6 The committee was informed that the procedure allows direct visualisation of the sinus so it can be effectively cleaned and hairs removed without the need for large incisions, and that this is important for the procedure's success.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-3361-7