Experiences and problems in the disinfection of fibre endoscopes

The problem of the disinfection of fibre endoscopes is to achieve a good efficiency together with easy handling. There is not yet a disinfectant which shows a sufficient germicidal effect after a short time of contact with the fibre endoscope and which is harmless to the patient and medical staff. This paper deals with a two-stage disinfecting procedure in which the instrument undergoes a short intermediate disinfection using polyvidoneiodine (Betaisodona) between two investigations and a main disinfection at the end of a series of investigations using glutardialdehyde (Cidex). The measures lead to a sufficient reduction of the number of germs. The importance of the disinfection of all parts of the endoscopes, especially the channels and the accessories (water bottles etc.) is pointed out.