Disposable Duodenoscopes: What Is the Cost of the Ultimate Disruptive Technology in Endoscopy?

An early estimate suggests that disposables would be more expensive, especially for high-volume centers.

There has been recent attention to the risk of infection transmission between patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) via contaminated duodenoscopes. Global changes in reprocessing protocols have been initiated as a response, but infections, though rare, can still occur and can be life threatening.

Disposable, one-time-use duodenoscopes are being considered as alternative technology. In theory, these devices should carry zero risk to patients for infection transmission. Still, many questions remain to be answered about their functionality and operation as well as costs compared with reusable duodenoscopes.

Researchers at one U.S. tertiary center have estimated the cost of a hypothetical ERCP performed for cho…

Reviewing Author

Douglas G. Adler, MD, FACG, AGAF, FASGE

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBSC; Merit; Olympus

Speaker’s BureauAbbVie

Editorial BoardsGastrointestinal Endoscopy

Douglas G. Adler, MD, FACG, AGAF, FASGE

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBSC; Merit; Olympus

Speaker’s BureauAbbVie

Editorial BoardsGastrointestinal Endoscopy

Disposable Duodenoscopes: What Is the Cost of the Ultimate Disruptive Technology in Endoscopy?

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Reviewing Author