Saudi consensus statements on the management of irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent, chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life. To promote standardized and high-quality care, the Saudi Neurogastroenterology and Motility Group, under the auspices of Saudi Gastroenterology Association (SGA) and in collaboration with the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM), developed evidence based clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of IBS in Saudi Arabia. Using a modified Delphi methodology, consensus was reached when at least 80% of participants agreed with a statement as “completely accepted” or “accepted with minor reservations.” This process resulted in 29 consensus statements and two clinical algorithms addressing diagnostic criteria, clinical assessment, investigations, lifestyle modifications, and therapeutic strategies. The resulting guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for IBS diagnosis and management, highlight emerging treatment options, and outline areas requiring further research to enhance patient outcomes and guide future clinical practice.