In 2019, more than 20 million scope procedures were performed in the U. S. It is significantly more likely than not that patients undergoing this procedure have been exposed to significant microorganisms.
SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM Millions of Procedures. Thousands of Infections. A Medical Device Patients Never See.
By CALEB CUNNINGHAM, ESQ., AND KELSEY STOKES, ESQ.
If you are of a certain age or have had gastrointestinal issues, you have more than likely endured an endoscopic procedure. Those who have not yet suffered the grim indignity of the prep will likely enjoy it at some point in the future. Though the experience is unpleasant, millions of us endure it annually. In 2017, there were more than 20 million scope procedures in the U. S. In 2019, that number had grown to over 22 million.
Few, if any, give much thought to the instrument that will be unceremoniously exploring us or the fact that the instrument is designed to be used in numerous patients before and after us. Almost all of us, however, would be horrified to learn that there is likely residue from the previous patient inside the device. Further still, there are thousands of reports of infection, including HIV and drug-resistant pathogens, linked to these instruments being contaminated from a previous patient.
Even given the reports that do exist, literature supports the fact that“ patient exposure to inadequately cleaned, potentially contaminated endoscopies is both underrecognized and underreported.” This article will increase your awareness of the literature and issues surrounding endoscopes. As a starting point, we must understand what an endoscope is.
At its most basic level, an endoscope is“ a thin, tube-like instrument used to look at tissues inside the body. An endoscope has a light and a lens for viewing and may have a tool to remove tissue.” These devices can become quite elaborate, however, with elevators, curvatures, manipulators, wires, and other apparatus depending on their specific function. It is in part due to the complexity of these devices and their design that the safety in reusing them is compromised.
Researchers have reported that“ 60 percent of endoscopes... that were reprocessed in accordance with guidelines had microbial growth, and investigators found
34 The Trial Lawyer