ASGE Masterclass: Infection Control (Live Virtual) | June 2021-Landscape of Infectious Risk to Patients Undergoing Endoscopy: Too Much Hype or Just the Beginning?

Landscape of Infectious Risk to Patients Undergoing Endoscopy: Too Much Hype or Just the Beginning?

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Raman Muthuswamy, a recognized leader in advanced endoscopic procedures, gave a presentation on the landscape of infectious risk to patients undergoing endoscopy. He primarily focused on minimizing endoscope-transmitted infections, particularly duodenoscope-transmitted infections, as they present the greatest challenge currently. He mentioned that traditional estimates of infection risks were likely significant underestimates, and that device-transmitted infections have been occurring for longer than previously thought. Dr. Muthuswamy highlighted several outbreaks of CRE infections related to duodenoscopes, and discussed the challenges in detecting and managing these outbreaks. He also noted the impact of these outbreaks on institutions, such as drops in hospital inpatient census, cancellation of surgeries, and a decrease in screening colonoscopy volume. In addition to discussing duodenoscope-related infections, Dr. Muthuswamy briefly mentioned infection control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of adopting best practices from this experience moving forward. Overall, his presentation emphasized the need for continued efforts to prevent and manage endoscope-transmitted infections, and the importance of educating patients about these risks.

Asset Subtitle

V. Raman Muthusamy, MD, MAS, FASGE

Keywords

Dr. Raman Muthuswamy

endoscopy

duodenoscope-transmitted infections

infection risks

outbreaks of CRE infections

detecting outbreaks

impact on institutions

infection control practices

educating patients