| Theme |
Risk Management in Colonoscopy |
| Title |
Infection Control in Colonoscopy |
| Author |
Taiji Akamatsu |
Endoscopy Center, Nagano Prefectural Hospital Organization, Nagano Prefectural Suzaka Hospital |
| Author |
Kazuhisa Shimodaira |
Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Nagano Prefectural Hospital Organization, Nagano Prefectural Suzaka Hospital |
| Author |
Yuichi Nozawa |
Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Nagano Prefectural Hospital Organization, Nagano Prefectural Suzaka Hospital |
| Author |
Yasuhiro Kuraishi |
Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Nagano Prefectural Hospital Organization, Nagano Prefectural Suzaka Hospital |
| Author |
Hiroyuki Uehara |
Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Nagano Prefectural Hospital Organization, Nagano Prefectural Suzaka Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Infection control is an essential problem in endoscopy. Basically, the procedure of infection control does not differ between colonoscopy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. However, infection control in colonoscopy requires careful attention because of the following : 1. During colonoscopy, patients' feces contaminate the beds and floors, 2. We sometimes encounter patients with infectious colitis who undergo colonoscopy without information of the fear, 3. Spore forming bacteria such as Clostridium difficile sometimes exist in the colon. Presently, appropriate reprocessing of endoscopes and endoscopic equipment is carried out in most of the Japanese medical institutions ; however, consciousness of cleanliness is not so high among the engaging staff in endoscopy, especially among endoscopists. Therefore, some inadequately behaved staff, which unconsciously contaminates surroundings in an endoscopic room, is sometimes recognized. Furthermore, it is important to wear personal protection items such as a pair of rubber gloves, a mask, a pair of glasses (or a pair of goggles), and a gown for prevention of "patient?to?staff" infection. Endoscopists should not leave a measure of infection control during endoscopy to co?medical staff only, but should divide its responsibilities and take on it themselves. |