Traitement des endoscopes : état de l’art et application au centre hospitalier universitaire d’Angers

Abstract

Flexible endoscopy presents today a number of constraints, both for the user staff (aggressive chemicals and repetitive cleaning to fight against nosocomial infections) and for patients (stress, embarrassment…). These constraints guide the research towards new more attractive alternatives (Pillcam, virtual endoscopy) but their states of progress do not allow to abolish, in mid-term, the endoscopy of health establishments. Thus, manufacturers propose currently automated and quick disinfection systems, devices trying to reach the higher security for patient against nosocomial infections by sterilizing the endoscope, or systems that assure a better protection facing direct or cross contamination while diminishing the number of compulsory disinfections. Thanks to these innovations, every ward must organise its endoscopes treatment room in order to address circulars and good clinical practice while being functional and adapted to endoscopic activity. That's why, as the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d’Angers was renewing its disinfections rooms, arose the opportunity to hold a reflection, from short to mid-term, about endoscopies and treatment to minimize contagious risks, unavailability time of the endoscope as well as the cost of disinfection. This article evaluates the situation on current regulations, technological advance in treatment of endoscopes and introduces the fruits of this reflection involving re-equipment of the disinfections rooms from three wards of the CHU.