Methodologic Assessment of Studies on Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Abstract

Absence of a control group is the most important reason that studies are unable to scientifically assess the comparative efficacy of ESS to medical therapy or other sinus procedures. The methodologic criteria described here can be used to evaluate studies of interventions for other disorders.

Ethical Issues in Innovative Colorectal Surgery

“…During the past two decades, endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was accepted as the standard operation throughout the United States and abroad. 6,7 At this point, is a randomized, controlled trial of endoscopic sinus surgery necessary to establish its safety and efficacy? Furthermore, would it be ethical to conduct such a trial?…”

Symptom Outcomes in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Systematic Review of Measurement Methods

“…Previous reviews of ESS outcome emphasized overall study design and evidence level as judged by several evidenced‐based medicine assessment scales 9–12 . Although studies 13–15 have analyzed outcome measures of ESS, no systematic analysis (to our knowledge) has focused predominantly on the methods and implementation of specific symptom evaluation after surgery.…”