Single-Use vs Reusable Duodenoscopes: How Infection Knowledge Gaps Are Driving Environmental Harm and What Can Be Done

More than 500,000 duodenoscopies are now performed annually in the United States.1 Increased reports of duodenoscope-associated infections (DAIs) after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) over the past decade have sparked discussions about how to reduce the incidence of DAIs and have propelled the adoption of single-use duodenoscopes (SUDs) as an infection mitigation strategy. Meanwhile, potential downsides to SUDs, including increased environmental and public health impacts, costs, and supply chain risks, also warrant discussion, especially because the true benefits of these devices remain unclear.

Source: Gastroenterology - March 3, 2024 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Matthew W. Smith, Lyndon V. Hernandez, Pamela Lee, Richard A. Martinello, Hardeep Singh, Jodi D. Sherman Tags: Commentary Source Type: research