SAGES has been at the forefront of best practices in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery by researching, developing and disseminating the guidelines and training for standards of practice in surgical procedures. Guidelines are developed under the auspices of the organization and its various committees, and approved by the Board of Governors. Each clinical practice guideline has been systematically researched, reviewed and revised by the Guidelines Committee and also evaluated by an appropriate multidisciplinary team. Guidelines are scheduled for periodic review to allow incorporation of pertinent new developments in medical research knowledge, and practice.
Our published guidelines are below. You may also use our new Guidelines Search Engine.
Also be sure to visit our Visual Abstracts gallery
SAGES Members  may also view the list of Guidelines in Progress (login required)
Achalasia
- Guidelines for the Use of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for the Treatment of Achalasia (July 2020)
- Is Per-oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) More Effective than Pneumatic Dilation and Heller myotomy? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (July 2020)
- Guidelines for the Surgical Treatment of Esophageal Achalasia (May 2011)
Acute Care Surgery
- EAES and SAGES 2018 Consensus Conference on Acute Diverticulitis Management: Evidence‑based Recommendations for Clinical Practice (June 2019)
- ASCRS/SAGES Guidelines for Enhanced Recovery After Colon and Rectal Surgery (July 2017)
- Clinical Spotlight Review: TransAnal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) (June 2017)
- Guidelines for Laparoscopic Resection of Curable Colon and Rectal Cancer (February 2012)
Education / Training
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Guidelines Development: Standard Operating Procedure (February 2021)
- Top Down or Bottom Up? Longitudinal assessment of the influence of professional practice gaps in gastrointestinal and endoscopic surgery on program content for the Annual Meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) 2011-2016: A report from the SAGES Continuing Education Committee (CEC) (May 2018)
- Educational Implications for Surgical Telementoring: a Current Review with Recommendations for Future Practice, Policy, and Research (June 2017)
- Framework for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Courses for Practicing Surgeons: The New SAGES Course Endorsement System (July 2016)
- Guidelines for the Introduction of New Technology and Techniques (August 2014)
- Guidelines for Training in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (July 2010)
- Curriculum Outline for Resident Education (April 2009)
Endoscopy
- Multisociety Guideline on Reprocessing Flexible GI Endoscopes and Accessories (August 2020)
- Multisociety Role of Endoscopy in the Bariatric Surgery Patient (May 2014)
- Guidelines For Office Endoscopic Services (November 2008)
GERD
- Multi-Society Consensus Conference and Guideline on the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) (July 2022)
- Guidelines for the Surgical Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) (April 2021)
- Surgical Treatment of GERD: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (November 2020)
- Clinical Spotlight Review: Endoluminal Treatments for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) (May 2017)
- Guidelines for the Management of Hiatal Hernia (May 2013)
Hernia
HPB / Solid Organ
- Proposed: SAGES/AHPBA Guidelines for the Use of Microwave and Radiofrequency Liver Ablation for the Surgical Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma or Colorectal Liver Metastases less than 5cm (November 2022)
- Minimally Invasive versus Open Hepatectomy for the Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (May 2022)
- Guidelines for the Use of Minimally Invasive or Open Liver Resection for Isolated Colorectal Liver Metastases (May 2022)
- Guidelines for the Performance of Minimally Invasive Splenectomy (July 2021)
- Safe Cholecystectomy Multi-Society Practice Guideline and State of the Art Consensus Conference on Prevention of Bile Duct Injury during Cholecystectomy (May 2020)
- Clinical Spotlight Review: Management of Choledocholithiasis (February 2020)
- Clinical Spotlight Review: Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration (December 2017)
- Clinical Spotlight Review: Intraoperative Cholangiography (December 2016)
- Guidelines for the Minimally Invasive Treatment of Adrenal Pathology (February 2013)
- Guidelines for the Clinical Application of Laparoscopic Biliary Tract Surgery (January 2010)
Metabolic / Bariatric
- Updated Panel Report: Best Practices for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity (February 2018)
- Guidelines for Clinical Application of Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery (June 2008)
Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical approach to microwave and radiofrequency liver ablation or hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal liver metastases less than 5 cm: a systematic review and meta-analysis (July 2022)
- Guidelines for the Use of Laparoscopy during Pregnancy (May 2017)
- VTE Prophylaxis for Laparoscopic Surgery Guidelines: An Update (March 2017)
- Guidelines for Laparoscopic Peritoneal Dialysis Access Surgery (June 2014)
- Guidelines for Diagnostic Laparoscopy (April 2010)
- Guidelines for Laparoscopic Appendectomy (April 2009)
- Guidelines for the Use of Laparoscopic Ultrasound (March 2009)
- SAGES/MIRA Consensus Document on Robotic Surgery (November 2007)
Miscellaneous/Policy
- 2022 Guidance Statement Regarding the Use of Laparoscopy in the Era of COVID-19 (January 2022)
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Guidelines Development: Standard Operating Procedure (February 2021)
Position Papers / Statements
- Statement on Continuous Certification (April 2018)
- Ethical Considerations Regarding the Implementation of New Technologies and Techniques in Surgery (October 2014)
- Educational Mission Statement (April 2011)
- Position Statement on Advanced Laparoscopic Training (October 2010)
- Statement on the Relationship Between Professional Medical Associations and Industry (February 2010)
- Position Statement on Endolumenal Therapies for Gastrointestinal Diseases (November 2009)
- Integrating Advanced Laparoscopy into Surgical Residency Training — A SAGES Position Paper (April 2009)
Privileging / Credentialing Guidelines
- Guidelines for Privileging and Credentialing Physicians in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (June 2016)
- Joint Task Force Recommendations for Credentialing of Bariatric Surgeons (April 2015)
- Guidelines for Granting of Ultrasonography Privileges for Surgeons (January 2011)
- Guidelines for Institutions Granting Privileges Utilizing Laparoscopic and/or Thoracoscopic Techniques (July 2010)
- Guidelines for Institutions Granting Bariatric Privileges Utilizing Laparoscopic Techniques (July 2009)