| Topic: | Digestive Diseases (DD) |
| Title: | Clinical Risks of Infection Associated with Endoscopy. |
| Author: | Cowen, A.E. |
| Source: | Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology. 15(5): 321-331. May 2001. |
| Availability: | Available from Pulsus Group, Inc. 2902 South Sheridan Way, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6J 7L6. Fax (905) 829-4799. E-mail: pulsus@pulsus.com. |
| Abstract: | This article reviews the clinical risks of infection associated with endoscopy. The author stresses that the cleaning of flexible endoscopes is both difficult and time consuming. Any method of attempted sterilization or high level disinfection will fail if prior cleaning has been defective. Inadequate reprocessing of endoscopes may result in patient to patient transmission of serious bacterial and viral diseases or infection with endemic hospital pathogens. Antibiotic prophylaxis is required to prevent septicemia (blood infection) and bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart valve or lining) in high risk patients undergoing specific endoscopic procedures. Prevention of these and other serious endoscopy associated clinical infections requires strict compliance with detailed reprocessing protocols by specially trained nursing staff. The author considers the use of microbiological surveillance of endoscopes and the use of patient infection detection protocols. A cost effective approach is mentioned that recommends infection detection surveillance programs should exist at least intermittently for high risk procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In addition, consumer pressure for more stringent infection control measures in endoscopy appears to have forced instrument manufacturers to take this aspect of endoscope and accessory design much more seriously. 206 references. |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English. |
| Major Keywords: | Digestive System Diseases. Endoscopy. Equipment and Supplies. Infections. Prevention. Infection Control. Delivery of Health Care. |
| Minor Keywords: | Hygiene. Bacterial Infections. Viral Infections. Nursing Care. Endoscope. Risk Factors. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography. Diagnostic Tests. Nocosomial Infections. |
| Publication Number: | DDJA08435 |
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