The PREFERENDO Delphi consensus: Minimum quality standards and core reporting elements for pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy

Dig Liver Dis. 2026 Sep 12:S1590-8658(26)00934-5. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2026.08.034. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Standardized reporting is a key quality requirement in pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy, yet reporting practices remain heterogeneous. We aimed to develop consensus-based core reporting standards for pediatric endoscopy.

METHODS: A Delphi consensus was conducted by the SIGENP Endoscopy Working Group, involving 34 pediatric endoscopy experts. Panelists rated structured statements using a 6-point Likert scale. Consensus required both a mean score ≥5.0 and ≥70% agreement. This manuscript presents the results for minimum quality standards, elementary findings, and pediatric colonoscopy reporting.

RESULTS: A total of 31 statements were evaluated across the three core topics, of which 27 achieved consensus after up to two Delphi rounds. Approved recommendations addressed endoscopy report structure, physiological and pathological descriptors, bowel preparation, terminal ileum intubation, endoscopic scoring systems, and lesion and polypectomy characterization. Four statements did not reach the predefined consensus threshold and were not retained.

CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations provide a practical framework for standardized pediatric endoscopy reporting. Their implementation may improve documentation quality, support more consistent reporting practices, and promote harmonization across centers.

PMID:42731961 | DOI:10.1016/j.dld.2026.08.034