First Brazilian expert consensus for video capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy

Video capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy have changed the management of small bowel lesions. Both methods allow for the examination of the entire small bowel, and balloon-assisted enteroscopy enables therapeutic interventions. Due to the heterogeneous distribution of medical resources across Brazilian states, small bowel endoscopic procedures, though well established in developed countries, have been implemented in a different fashion in Brazil.

This study aimed to present the results of a Brazilian consensus voting about the major indications for small bowel endoscopy for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

A group of ten members of the small bowel endoscopy committee from the Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy elaborated statements about pre, intra, and post-procedure considerations, diagnostic and therapeutic indications, and complications. An expert panel of 46 endoscopists specialized in small bowel endoscopy across the country revised and discussed each statement and voted utilizing the Delphi methodology. If a minimum threshold of 80% agreement was achieved, the statement was included in the document as a recommendation.

A total of 45 statements were elaborated by the expert panel. All statements were appreciated by the specialists and approved with an 80% (or greater) agreement using the Delphi consensus.

An expert group approved the First Brazilian consensus in small bowel endoscopy utilizing the Delphi methodology, producing a list of 45 statements and recommendations about diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This consensus may assist the management and decision-making process in patients with small bowel diseases.