Prevention of multidrug-resistant infections from contaminated duodenoscopes: Position Statement of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (ESGENA)
Abstract
This Position Statement of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) addresses the recent outbreaks of infection with multidrug-resistant organisms following endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography, and proposes measures to prevent or manage such outbreaks. As a consequence of the outbreaks, the development of purpose-designed cleaning equipment has been intensified, and manufacturers have provided more instructions on how to reprocess duodenoscopes appropriately and how to identify when servicing is necessary.
The Position Statement addresses the importance of staff training, reprocessing and maintenance of duodenoscopes, process validation, and microbiological surveillance, as well as outbreak management.