To the Editor:
“Devices That Are Hard to Sterilize” (Science Times, Aug. 6) understates the value of duodenoscopes and the procedure they are used for, endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography, or ERCP. This is a potentially lifesaving procedure for the hundreds of thousands of patients each year suffering from diseases of the pancreas, bile duct and gallbladder.
When a doctor recommends ERCP, it is often because the patient is gravely ill and the benefits of the procedure far outweigh the risks. ERCPs also spare patients much more invasive and dangerous alternatives, including surgery.
Removing these instruments from the marketplace is simply not feasible. We agree that identifying safe and effective solutions that eliminate risk of infection transmission is a top priority.
This cannot happen overnight: We cannot adopt a new technology, like disposable scopes, without first understanding the new risks we may be introducing to our patients.
Our medical societies have been working closely with the Food and Drug Administration and industry to identify and properly vet potential solutions.
At the same time, hospitals, medical societies and government agencies at all levels continue to pursue best practices to get infection rates as close to zero as possible. Vigilance has been raised and infection rates have improved. Patients who require ERCP should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctors.
Sunanda V. Kane
President, American College of Gastroenterology
Hashem B. El-Serag
President, American Gastroenterological Association
John J. Vargo
President, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Lea Anne Myers
President, Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates
Source: Read Full Article
Home » Analysis & Comment » Opinion | The Value of a Medical Scope
Opinion | The Value of a Medical Scope
To the Editor:
“Devices That Are Hard to Sterilize” (Science Times, Aug. 6) understates the value of duodenoscopes and the procedure they are used for, endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography, or ERCP. This is a potentially lifesaving procedure for the hundreds of thousands of patients each year suffering from diseases of the pancreas, bile duct and gallbladder.
When a doctor recommends ERCP, it is often because the patient is gravely ill and the benefits of the procedure far outweigh the risks. ERCPs also spare patients much more invasive and dangerous alternatives, including surgery.
Removing these instruments from the marketplace is simply not feasible. We agree that identifying safe and effective solutions that eliminate risk of infection transmission is a top priority.
This cannot happen overnight: We cannot adopt a new technology, like disposable scopes, without first understanding the new risks we may be introducing to our patients.
Our medical societies have been working closely with the Food and Drug Administration and industry to identify and properly vet potential solutions.
At the same time, hospitals, medical societies and government agencies at all levels continue to pursue best practices to get infection rates as close to zero as possible. Vigilance has been raised and infection rates have improved. Patients who require ERCP should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctors.
Sunanda V. Kane
President, American College of Gastroenterology
Hashem B. El-Serag
President, American Gastroenterological Association
John J. Vargo
President, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Lea Anne Myers
President, Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates
Source: Read Full Article