The PREFERENDO Delphi consensus: Advanced reporting standards for pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy

Standardized reporting is a key component of quality in pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy, particularly for advanced procedures. However, reporting of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, video capsule endoscopy, and device-assisted enteroscopy remains heterogeneous, with limited pediatric-specific standardization. We aimed to develop consensus-based advanced reporting standards for these procedures.

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 companion manuscript presents the results for pediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, video capsule endoscopy, and device-assisted enteroscopy reporting.

Fifty statements were evaluated across the three advanced topics, of which 47 achieved consensus after up to two Delphi rounds. Approved recommendations addressed procedure-specific descriptors, classifications, and technical reporting elements for pediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, core reporting domains for pediatric video capsule endoscopy, and technical and procedural elements of device-assisted enteroscopy. Three statements were not retained.

These recommendations provide a practical consensus-based framework for advanced pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy reporting. Their implementation may improve report completeness, promote procedural standardization, enhance multicenter comparability, and support quality improvement across centers.