CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge this is the first literature review specifically
focussing on PNN and our review encompassed the entire history of the
procedure back to 1997. We undertook a robust search which yielded
enough studies to undertake a meaningful evaluation of the procedure to
date in patients with both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.
PNN is a safe procedure with a low risk of complications. The available
literature suggests it is effective in controlling symptoms and all
studies but one reported significant symptomatic improvement following
PNN with or without other procedures. The procedure should be considered
in rhinitic patients with a high symptom burden inspite of maximal
medical therapy. However, there is a need for high quality, adequately
powered, randomised controlled trials with longer follow-up periods
comparing patient-reported outcomes after PNN to medical therapy.