COVID-19 as a barrier to attending for gastrointestinal endoscopy: weighing up the risks

Colin J Rees,Matt D Rutter,Linda Sharp,Bu Hayee,James E East,Pradeep Bhandari,Ian Penman

doi:10.1016/s2468-1253(20)30268-5

Abstract

COVID-19 as a barrier to attending for gastrointestinal endoscopy: weighing up the risks

Highlights

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is the cornerstone of gastrointestinal cancer diagnostics
Services were largely suspended during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic,[1] with procedures done during April and May, 2020, representing only 12% of pre-COVID-19 activity.[2]
Following British Society of Gastroenterology[3] guidance on recommencing gastrointestinal endoscopy at the end of April, 2020, UK services have increased; levels vary by procedure type and unit

Summary

Introduction

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is the cornerstone of gastrointestinal cancer diagnostics. COVID-19 as a barrier to attending for gastrointestinal endoscopy: weighing up the risks Services were largely suspended during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (appendix p 1),[1] with procedures done during April and May, 2020, representing only 12% of pre-COVID-19 activity.[2] Following British Society of Gastroenterology[3] guidance on recommencing gastrointestinal endoscopy at the end of April, 2020, UK services have increased; levels vary by procedure type and unit.

Results

Conclusion