My lessons

An educational program developed by the Institute of Image-Guided Surgery of Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg and in partnership with IRCAD.

1.
Endoscopy - Basic Principes
2.
Laparoscopy - Basic Principles
3.
General Considerations
1.
Endoscopy - Basic Principes
2.
Laparoscopy - Basic Principles
3.
General Considerations

Reprocessing of flexible endoscopes 


Introduction


The lesson includes:

Introduction

Video

Quiz

PDF

Speakers

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Margherita Pizzicannella

Lesson description:

During gastrointestinal endoscopy, endoscopes are exposed to millions of bacteria that constitute the gut flora. Unlike “critical” devices (such as laparoscopes), which require sterilization because they breach sterile tissue planes, endoscopes are still categorized as “semicritical” devices according to the Spaulding classification. Flexible endoscopes are not suitable for steam sterilization. The reprocessing procedure is based on detergent cleaning and high-level disinfection. Inadequate flexible endoscope reprocessing has been associated with infection outbreaks, most recently caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Lapses in essential device reprocessing steps such as cleaning, disinfection/sterilization, and storage have been reported, but some outbreaks have occurred despite claimed adherence to established guidelines.