The Songdo consensus: Development of minimum reporting standards for studies of intervention in idiopathic anal fistula using a modified nominal group technique.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Cryptoglandular anal fistulas carry a substantial burden to quality of life. Surgery is the only effective curative treatment but requires balancing fistula healing against pain, wounds and continence impairment. Sphincter-preserving procedures do exist but demonstrate variable rates of success. A lack of consistency and precision in outcome reporting and methodological quality hinders effective evidence-based decision-making. We aimed to establish a series of minimum reporting standards for interventional studies in idiopathic anal fistula, to eradicate low-quality studies, thus providing a consistent baseline of useful evidence.

Methods

An international group of 16 experts participated in a modified nominal group technique consensus. The nominal question was: 'What sho

SUBMITTER: Joshi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11758350 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature