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Role of Clinical Endoscopy in Emphasizing Endoscope Disinfection
Ji Kon Ryu1, Eun Young Kim2, Kwang An Kwon3
1Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Based on the unexpected Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak in Korea, it was established that the virus can spread easily, MERS exposure in hospitals carries an extreme risk for infection as well as mortality, and the sharing of information was essential for infection control. Although the incidence of exogenous infections related to contaminated endoscopes is very low, the majority of published outbreaks have been caused by various shortcomings in reprocessing procedures, including insufficient training or awareness. Ever since the inauguration of "Clinical Endoscopy" as an English-language journal of the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in 2011, it has published several articles on disinfection of the endoscope and its accessories. Many Science Citation Index journals have also emphasized high-level disinfection of the gastrointestinal endoscope. Many papers have been produced specifically, since the outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in 2013. The recent review papers concluded that quality control is the most important issue among all the aspects of procedural care, including the efficiency of the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit and reprocessing room. Thorough reprocessing of endoscopes using high-level disinfection and sterilization methods may be essential for reducing the risk of infection.
Insights
Thorough reprocessing of endoscopes is crucial for preventing infections, especially after outbreaks like Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). High-level disinfection and quality control are essential for patient safety in endoscopy.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- The Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak highlighted the ease of viral spread and extreme risks in hospitals.
- Contaminated endoscopes, though rare, have caused outbreaks due to reprocessing failures, insufficient training, and awareness gaps.
- Previous research in "Clinical Endoscopy" and other journals has stressed endoscope disinfection and reprocessing quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the critical role of endoscope reprocessing in preventing healthcare-associated infections.
- To highlight the importance of quality control in gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures and reprocessing.
- To review the literature on endoscope disinfection and its impact on infection control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of articles published in "Clinical Endoscopy" and other Science Citation Index journals.
- Analysis of outbreak reports related to endoscope reprocessing failures.
- Synthesis of findings regarding infection control measures in gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Main Results:
- Endoscope reprocessing deficiencies are a significant cause of infection outbreaks.
- High-level disinfection and sterilization are vital for reducing infection risks.
- Quality control in endoscopy units and reprocessing rooms is paramount for patient safety.
Conclusions:
- Thorough reprocessing of endoscopes using high-level disinfection and sterilization is essential for minimizing infection transmission.
- Addressing training and awareness gaps in reprocessing procedures is critical.
- Continuous quality improvement in endoscopy reprocessing is necessary to prevent future outbreaks.
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