International observational survey of the effectiveness of personal protective equipment during endoscopic procedures performed in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction and aims: This international survey was performed to evaluate the cumulative incidence of nosocomial novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare professionals during endoscopic procedures. Methods: We performed an international web-based self-reported questionnaire survey. Participants completed the questionnaires every week for 12 weeks. The questionnaire elicited responses regarding the development of COVID-19 and details of the PPE used. Results: All 483 participants were included in the analysis. Participants had a mean age of 42.3 years and comprised 68.3% males. The geographic distribution of the study population was Asia (89.2%), Europe (2.9%), North and South America (4.8%), Oceania (0.6%), and Africa (1.5%). The most common endoscopy-related role of the participants was endoscopist (78.7%), and 74.5% had > 10 years of experience. Fourteen participants had performed 83 endoscopic procedures in patients positive for COVID-19. During the mean follow-up period of 4.95 weeks, there were no cases of COVID-19 when treating COVID-19 positive patients. The most common PPE used by participants treating patients with COVID-19 was a surgical mask plus N95 mask plus face shield, goggles, cap, long-sleeved isolation gown, and single pair of gloves. The most common PPE used by participants treating patients without COVID-19 was a surgical mask, no face shield but goggles, cap, long-sleeved isolation gown, and single pair of gloves during all endoscopic procedures. Conclusions: The risk of COVID-19 transmission during any endoscopic procedure was low in the actual practice.

A Questionnaire-Based Survey on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Asia

“…However, more than half of the respondents, except those in Singapore, reported that they continued to face some shortages after the first wave. It has been reported that the common PPE used for patients with COVID-19 during endoscopic procedures included surgical masks and N95 masks, face shields, goggles, caps, long-sleeved isolation gowns, and gloves [ 29 ], which are almost consistent regarding the results of PPE for high-risk patients in our study. N95 or equivalent masks were used more frequently for high-risk patients than for low-risk patients.…”

Colorectal Surgery in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era

“…When performing gastrointestinal endoscopy, it is advisable to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including a mask with a face shield (or a mask and goggles), gloves, a cap, and a gown with long sleeves, and change them for each patient whenever possible [14]. After the examination and treatment are completed, the examiner should then wash themselves from fingers to elbows.…”