Reviews, expert opinions, consensus statements, position papers, protocols, and evidence-based guidelines: what are their roles in clinical practice?

Abstract

Central message: Clinical practice guidance documents are not all the same. In digestive surgery, evidence-based guidelines, consensus statements, position papers, and protocols each serve different purposes, and the distinctions between them should be clear. Recognizing the strengths and limitations of each format is essential to improving decision-making, guiding research, and ultimately benefiting our patients.

Perspectives: Digestive surgery evolves rapidly, and traditional publication models may not keep pace with emerging technologies and clinical demands. Future guidance documents are expected to incorporate artificial intelligence for evidence screening, living systematic reviews for continuous updates, and transparent digital repositories for open access to consensus voting and dissent. National registries and real-world data will complement trials where randomized evidence is scarce.