European Consensus Recommendations for Direct Cholangioscopy and Pancreatoscopy Using a Modified Delphi Process.

Background and aim: Direct cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy have become widely implemented techniques in the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms of several pancreaticobiliary disorders. This study aimed to generate general and indication-specific European consensus recommendations on cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy.

Methods: Supported by the available literature, statements were formulated and grouped into the following categories: (1) pre-procedural considerations, (2) general technical aspects, (3) biliopancreatic stones, (4) biliary strictures, and (5) other indications. The evidence level of each statement was determined using the GRADE methodology. Cholangioscopy experts were invited to participate in a modified Delphi process. When 80% consensus was not reached, the statement was modified based on expert feedback and subjected to an additional Delphi round. Statements were rejected if they failed to reach consensus after three Delphi rounds.

Results: Thirty cholangioscopy experts completed the Delphi process. Forty-two (97.6%) generated statements were accepted, of which 39 (92.9%) in the first Delphi round. 12 statements on preprocedural and periprocedural settings, 8 statements on biliopancreatic stones, 13 statements on biliary strictures, and 9 statements on other indications were accepted.

Conclusion: Using a modified Delphi process, we developed general and indication-specific consensus recommendations for cholangioscopy to guide clinical practice.