ESGE and ESGENA Position Statement on gastrointestinal endoscopy and the COVID-19 pandemic

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Gralnek, IM (Author) Other; Hassan, C (Author) Other; Beilenhoff, U (Author) Other; Antonelli, G (Author) Other; Ebigbo, A (Author) Other; Pellise, M (Author) Other; Arvanitakis, M (Author) Other; Bhandari, P (Author) Other; Bisschops, R (Author) Other; Van Hooft, JE (Author) Other; Kaminski, MF (Author) Other; Triantafyllou, K (Author) Other; Webster, G (Author) Other; Pohl, H (Author) Other; Dunkley, I (Author) Other; Fehrke, B (Author) Other; Gazic, M (Author) Other; Gjergek, T (Author) Other; Maasen, S (Author) Other; Waagenes, W (Author) Other; de Pater, M (Author) Other; Ponchon, T (Author) Other; Siersema, PD (Author) Other; Messmann, H (Author) Other; Mario Dinis Ribeiro (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Endoscopy

ISSN: 0013-726X

Publisher: Thieme

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 217 Citations

Scopus - 201 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-1QE

DOI: 10.1055/a-1155-6229

Abstract (EN): We are currently living in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic that imposes a significant stress on health care providers and facilities. Europe is severely affected with an exponential increase in incident infections and deaths. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 can be subtle, encompassing a broad spectrum from asymptomatic mild disease to severe respiratory illness. Health care professionals in endoscopy units are at increased risk of infection from COVID-19. Infection prevention and control has been shown to be dramatically effective in assuring the safety of both health care professionals and patients. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ( www.esge.com ) and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates ( www.esgena.org ) are joining forces to provide guidance during this pandemic to help assure the highest level of endoscopy care and protection against COVID-19 for both patients and endoscopy unit personnel. This guidance is based upon the best available evidence regarding assessment of risk during the current status of the pandemic and a consensus on which procedures to perform and the priorities on resumption. We appreciate the gaps in knowledge and evidence, especially on the proper strategy(ies) for the resumption of normal endoscopy practice during the upcoming phases and end of the pandemic and therefore a list of potential research questions is presented. New evidence may result in an updated statement.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Dissemination