Introduction
Disposable duodenoscope is modern evolution that helps to prevent superbugs formed during sterilization. The invention of the duodenoscope in the olden days played a pivotal role in diagnosing various conditions related to the stomach, intestine, and duodenum. It is a versatile medical device that addresses various gastrointestinal issues. With the help of this device, healthcare professionals can collect samples for biopsy (examining a tissue sample) and perform therapeutic interventions.
In recent times the evolution of disposable duodenoscopes has been extremely beneficial in medicine. These single-use devices are the best alternative to conventional endoscopes that cause unwanted infections and cross-contamination. Using a fresh duodenoscope decreases the risk complexity ensured during reprocessing.
What Are Disposable Duodenoscopes?
A hollow and flexible tube that helps health professionals to view the duodenum or small intestine for diagnosing various conditions is called a duodenoscopes. It helps the doctor treat severe conditions like cancer or gallstones in the pancreas and bile duct. It is a less invasive procedure; therefore, it does not hurt much. A few conditions that can be diagnosed with the help of duodenoscopes are listed below:
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Infection.
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Tumors of the bile duct.
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Chronic pancreatitis.
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Tumors of the pancreas.
How Do Duodenoscopes Work?
It is a flexible tube inserted via the mouth and passes through the throat and stomach. They are different from the usual endoscopes. Because the instrument allows direct access into the bile ducts, it is more complex than endoscopes. Additionally, it has a lighted camera located at the tip. Duodenoscopes comprise the following parts:
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Light source.
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Control knobs.
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Water channels.
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Air channel.
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Fiber optic bundles.
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Working channel.
Does Duodenoscopes Lead To Infection?
Yes, there has been a risk of superbug infection with duodenoscopes because of their design. The scopes comprise several tiny parts that are hard to clean. So the gut bacteria may accumulate in these small movable parts. As the doctors may reuse the scopes, there are higher chances of infection that may transfer from one patient to another. The most common part where there is bacterial infection is the elevator mechanism. Duodenoscopes are difficult to reprocess compared to other endoscopes. Despite cleaning, the bacteria seemed to exist. As a result, it could lead to safety risks.
In 2013, the FDA investigated the outbreaks but did not take any significant action until 2015. In December 2018, the FDA communicated safety with the postmarket studies. It was found that there had been more contamination even after cleaning.
What Are the Uses of a Duodenoscope?
The hollow and flexible tube is specifically used to access the small intestine or duodenum of patients to look for any anomalies. Some of the findings usually noticed with the help of duodenoscope are mentioned below:
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Gallstones - They are hardened deposits of digestive fluids that occur in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located close to the abdomen.
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Acute Pancreatitis - It is a condition of the pancreas that causes inflammation of it in a short span of time. It occurs due to gallstones or alcohol consumption.
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Chronic Pancreatitis - It is an inflammatory disorder that causes the destruction of the exocrine and endocrine glands. Alcohol misuse is usually responsible for chronic pancreatitis.
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Pancreatic Pseudocysts - These cysts are usually due to acute or chronic pancreatitis. The cyst comprises a collection of fluids that are drained by internal drainage.
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Bile Duct Tumors - It is a rare disease that is formed by malignant cells from the bile ducts.
Duodenoscopes are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Some of the primary uses are:
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Biopsies - The duodenoscopes can be used to obtain tissue samples from the duodenum and the surrounding structures. The collected samples are diagnosed with various conditions like inflammation and infection.
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Stricture Dilatation - It is the process of narrowing the duodenum. The duodenoscope helps to dilate the narrowed area by placing a balloon, which inflates the passage and relieves the obstruction.
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Bleeding Control - A duodenoscope helps to locate the site of bleeding in the duodenum and applies various techniques to arrest the bleeding. In addition, it also helps to inject medications into the bleeding site and helps to place clips to shut off the blood vessels.
What Are the Risks And Rewards of Disposable Duodenoscopes?
The primary challenge associated with duodenoscopes is that they are priced high when compared to other endoscopes. The cost burden of single-use devices is definitely high. In addition, it also raises concerns about the environmental impact as it contributes to large amounts of medical waste. So, proper waste management is essential to minimize the environmental consequences. The durability of the device is questionable when compared to reusable devices, as they can withstand multiple uses. In addition, proper training to handle the equipment is necessary to minimize potential errors and adverse effects.
The rewards of disposable duodenoscopes include limiting the time-consuming process of sterilizing the devices to prevent contamination. Reprocessing the devices is a tedious process that involves high-level disinfection. Introducing duodenoscopes has completely eliminated the incidence of cross-contamination or infections. This has created a significant impact on patient safety who undergo procedures that involve the use of duodenoscopes. The reassurance of sterile devices helps to instill confidence among the patients and minimizes errors during procedures. Therefore the invention of the device has equal merits and demerits when it comes to practical usage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, disposable duodenoscopes have been used as alternatives to conventional duodenoscopes. This medical device is helpful in identifying health anomalies and treating them. Just like any other medical device, duodenoscopes have both risks and rewards that accompany their usage. Reprocessing devices need the utmost care to prevent cross-contamination and infections in patients. Although disposable duodenoscopes are quite expensive, they completely eliminate the chances of infection and the pain of repeated sterilization. Ensuring both reliability and durability helps to instill confidence in patients and aids them to cooperate during medical procedures. Disposal of these tubes is crucial to prevent any medical hazards. Many studies are ongoing to help determine the viability of the product and to determine the impact of duodenoscopes on patient care and medical practices.
