Advice on Performing Endoscopy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Globally, hospitals and clinics are grappling with the new reality of practicing medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Endoscopy labs, which perform a wide range of aerosol-generating procedures, have been the focus of significant attention. In a new report, endoscopists from the U.S., Hong Kong, and other countries share practical suggestions for reducing COVID-19 transmission risk, based on the literature and their own experience.

Their key points and recommendations include the following:

• All endoscopic procedures are aerosol generating.

• All surfaces in the procedure room can potentially become contaminated and need appropriate disinfection.

• Ensure performance of fit testing for N95 masks or other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Practice proper hand hygiene.

• Set up a reception bay to screen and stratify patients by their risk for COVID-19 infection before allowing them to even enter the waiting area.

• Test all suspected infected patients before the procedure.

• Use a dedicated procedure and recovery room for COVID-19 patients and wear appropriate PPE.

• Don and doff PPE in a designated area.

• Have staff take their own temperature daily to rule out unsuspected fevers.

• Limit the number of healthcare providers participating in any procedure to only those absolutely necessary.

• For procedures under general anesthesia, only the anesthesiologist and key assistants should be present during intubation.