AEG-SEED position paper for the resumption of endoscopic activity after the peak phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: Gastroenterología y hepatología Vol. 43; no. 7; p. 389
• Main Authors: Marín-Gabriel, José Carlos, Santiago, Enrique Rodríguez de
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Spain 01.08.2020
• Subjects: Aftercare; Betacoronavirus; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Coronavirus Infections - diagnosis; Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology; Coronavirus Infections - prevention & control; Coronavirus Infections - transmission; COVID-19; COVID-19 Testing; Cross Infection - prevention & control; Disinfection; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal - adverse effects; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal - instrumentation; Equipment Contamination; Humans; Hygiene; Infection Control - standards; Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional - prevention & control; Medical Waste Disposal - methods; Medical Waste Disposal - standards; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy - instrumentation; Pandemics - prevention & control; Patient Isolation; Personal Protective Equipment; Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology; Pneumonia, Viral - prevention & control; Pneumonia, Viral - transmission; Risk; SARS-CoV-2; Time Factors; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Coronavirus; Toma de decisiones clínicas; Endoscopy; Clinical decision-making; Endoscopia
• ISSN: 0210-5705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2020.05.004

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the suspension of programmed activity in most of the Endoscopy Units in our environment. The aim of this document is to facilitate the resumption of elective endoscopic activity in an efficient and safe manner. A series of questions considered to be of clinical and logistical relevance were formulated. In order to elaborate the answers, a structured bibliographic search was carried out in the main databases and the recommendations of the main Public Health and Digestive Endoscopy institutions were reviewed. The final recommendations were agreed upon through telematic means. A total of 33 recommendations were made. The main aspects discussed are: 1) Reassessment and prioritization of the indication, 2) Restructuring of spaces, schedules and health personnel, 3) Screening for infection, 4) Hygiene measures and personal protective equipment. The AEG and SEED recommend restarting endoscopic activity in a phased, safe manner, adapted to local resources and the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 infection.