The flexible sigmoidoscope as a potential vector of infectious disease, including suggestions for decontamination of the flexible sigmoidoscope. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1987. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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The flexible sigmoidoscope as a potential vector of infectious disease, including suggestions for decontamination of the flexible sigmoidoscope.

Yale J Biol Med. 1987 Jan-Feb;60(1):19-26. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/87180032
Aliberti LC

Abstract: The flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscope has gained widespread acceptance as a diagnostic tool in the detection and diagnosis of colorectal disease. Since its introduction nearly a decade ago, studies have thus far indicated that in the hands of experienced physicians, flexible sigmoidoscopy is a safe procedure affording greater patient comfort, greater depth of insertion, and a higher yield of neoplastic lesions than rigid sigmoidoscopy, with surprisingly few associated risks. Although reported infrequently, infection is an acknowledged risk of flexible sigmoidoscopy and other endoscopic procedures. The most efficient means of preventing endoscopy-associated infection is uncompromising aseptic practice. Clinical and experimental data obtained from studies designed to investigate endoscopic transmission of infectious organisms and from our own and others' experiences are reviewed. Guidelines for achieving high-level disinfection of the flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscope are included.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/TRANSMISSION Bacterial Infections/TRANSMISSION Cross Infection/PREVENTION & CONTROL/*TRANSMISSION Disinfection/*METHODS Equipment Contamination Hepatitis B/TRANSMISSION Human Sigmoidoscopy/ADVERSE EFFECTS/*INSTRUMENTATION Sterilization/*METHODS JOURNAL ARTICLE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/transmissionbacterialinfections/transmissioncrossinfection/prevention&control/KWDtransmissiondisinfection/KWDmethodsequipmentcontaminationhepatitisb/transmissionhumansigmoidoscopy/adverseeffects/KWDinstrumentationsterilization/KWDmethodsjournalarticle
870730
M8770255

Copyright © 1987 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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