Abstract
Endoscopists and endoscopic assistants are easily exposed to germs, including COVID-19, during aerosol-generating procedures such as gastrointestinal endoscopy. This retrospective study investigated the utility of a box-shaped shielding device for reducing the risk of COVID-19 droplet infection during endoscopic procedures. We created a cuboid box (500 × 650 × 450 mm) with four sides were covered with a transparent, vinyl-chloride sheet having two windows for endoscopic passage and assistance. The shielding box was then placed over a patient's head and shoulders and covered with another transparent vinyl sheet. We assessed its utility and safety using the medical data concerning the procedure time and vital signs and a questionnaire for the endoscopic staff and patients. We performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related procedures using this device for two patients suspected of having COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Both patients were smoothly and successfully treated without any complications. No difficulties were noted with either endoscopic operation or in assisting the procedure, and the transparency was good enough to observe the patients' faces and movements. This box-shaped shielding device can be used to reduce the risk of COVID-19 droplet infection during endoscopic procedures in the clinical setting. The COVID-19 outbreak has reminded healthcare personnel working in endoscopy units of the importance of infection prevention during endoscopy. The box-shaped shielding device can help endoscopic staff avoid hospital-setting COVID-19 infection.
Highlights
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has reminded healthcare personnel working in endoscopy units of the importance of infection prevention during endoscopy [1,2,3]
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of all consecutive patients who were suspected of having COVID-19-associated pneumonia and underwent endoscopic procedures with a shielding device in our institution between April 2020 and May 2020
One patient (Case 1) suffered from acute cholangitis due to choledocholithiasis and was suspected of having COVID-19-associated pneumonia based on computed tomography (CT) findings
Summary
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has reminded healthcare personnel working in endoscopy units of the importance of infection prevention during endoscopy [1,2,3]. Endoscopists and endoscopic assistants are exposed to germs, including COVID-19, during aerosol-generating procedures such as gastrointestinal endoscopy. This retrospective study investigated the utility of a box-shaped shielding device for reducing the risk of COVID-19 droplet infection during endoscopic procedures. Results: We performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related procedures using this device for two patients suspected of having COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Both patients were smoothly and successfully treated without any complications. Conclusions: This box-shaped shielding device can be used to reduce the risk of COVID-19 droplet infection during endoscopic procedures in the clinical setting. The box-shaped shielding device can help endoscopic staff avoid hospital-setting COVID-19 infection
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
