Single-use endoscopes: A narrative review

• Main Authors: Maged Tharwat Elghannam (Author), Moataz Hassan Hassanien (Author), Yosry Abdelrahman Ameen (Author), Gamal Mohammed Elattar (Author), Ahmed Ali El Ray (Author), Emad Abdel Wahab Turky (Author), Mohammed Darwish El Talkawy (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Society of Gastrointestinal Intervention, 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

The transmission of infections through gastrointestinal endoscopy is a vital issue. The main problem lies in the use of duodenoscopes due to mechanical aspects of the scope design. Even with high-level disinfection, sterilization of the scope can fail. Hence, the Food and Drug Administration has encouraged a shift to single-use endoscopes. Available options include endoscopes with single-use components (mainly single-use endcaps), fully single-use duodenoscopes (SUDs), and even those with a disposable elevator mechanism. Clinical trials revealed that both reusable and single-use scopes have the same efficacy, while single-use scopes have benefits in terms of infection control, economic considerations, and ease of reprocessing. A few drawbacks are left to be dealt with. Reusable duodenoscopes with removable/disposable endcaps are satisfactory except in specific situations where SUDs are better to use.

Item Description

2636-0004
10.18528/ijgii210055