Comprehensive gastroenterology endoscopy unit workflow and infection prevention during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience with 159 cases in Wuhan, China.

Abstract

During the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan, the gastroenterology department of our hospital performed gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures using strict infection control measures. Thorough screening of incoming patients, separation of diagnostic and treatment areas, regional management, hierarchical protection, disinfection protocols, and other measures were enforced to prevent virus transmission during endoscopic treatments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, between February and March 2020, 159 endoscopic examinations and treatments were performed, including emergency endoscopy for 17 patients. Among these, seven patients were either previously infected with or were suspected carriers of the virus. Using the aforementioned control measures, we did not encounter a single case of cross-infection or infection among the patients or staff. The presented protocols may provide valuable insight regarding how to protect gastroenterology endoscopy units during the novel coronavirus disease pandemic.