Single-use duodenoscopes safe and effective for use in ERCPs

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that combines upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and x-rays to treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts. Doctors state they prefer ERCP to diagnose problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts if they expect to treat problems during the procedure. However its safety is a question as it’s a invasive procedure.

A new study in the journal Endoscopy reveals that endoscopists in several academic medical centers over the globe with varying levels of experience who used the first marketed single-use duodenoscope had good ERCP procedural success and reported high performance ratings for this device.

Study included 61 endoscopists at 22 academic centers in 11 countries who performed ERCP procedures in adult patients aged ≥ 18. Outcomes included ERCP completion for the intended indication, rate of crossover to a reusable endoscope, device performance ratings, and serious adverse events (SAEs).

The key findings of the study are

• A total of 551 patients, 236 (42.8 %) were aged > 65, 281 (51.0 %) were men, and 256 (46.5 %) had their procedure as an inpatient.