[Outbreaks related to contaminated duodenoscopes: causes and solutions]

Duodenoscopes for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are used for diagnostic and, presently predominantly, for minimally invasive therapeutic procedures involving the biliary tree and the pancreatic duct. In 2012, in the Erasmus MC in the Netherlands, a large outbreak of multidrug-resistant bacteria was caused by a contaminated duodenoscope; its design was such that thorough cleaning was not possible. Worldwide, an increasing number of outbreaks involving multidrug-resistant bacteria caused by contaminated duodenoscopes have been reported on. This raises the question whether current cleaning and disinfection procedures for duodenoscopes are sufficient. In view of the recent outbreaks, it is imperative that all relevant parties (manufacturers, regulatory bodies, government agencies, gastroenterologists and medical microbiologists) actively contribute to the development of standard operating procedures that - in the interim - minimise the risk of contamination. In the long-term, novel duodenoscope designs and innovation in cleaning, disinfection and/or sterilization techniques must prevent interpatient transmission of bacteria during ERCP.