Résumé
Currently, the number of people infected with novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) worldwide is growing exponentially, which requires immediate measures to prevent its spread. Endoscopy departments are at daily risk of spreading aerosol-transmissible viruses. This review highlights actions that are necessary to prevent further spread of COVID-19 infection in endoscopy departments. All recommendations are approved by the Scientific Expert Council of the Moscow Department of Health (Protocol No. 2 03/05/2020).Copyright © 2020, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.
Résumé
Aims This is a prospective observational web-based survey aimed to assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic onGastroenterology Units in Italy. Methods All members of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE) were invited to answer a 39-point multiple-choiceweb-based survey between March 30 thand April 7 th2020. Results Data of 121 hospitals from all 20 Italian regions were analyzed. Overall, 10.7 % of Gastroenterology divisions havebeen converted to COVID Units. Outpatients consultations, endoscopic and ultrasound procedures were limited to urgenciesand oncology indications in 85.1 %, 96.2 % and 72.2 % of Units, respectively, and 46.7 % of Units suspended the screeningfor colorectal cancer.In order to guarantee the ordinary follow-up of outpatients, 83/121 (68.6 %) divisions activated aremote consultancy service (63.9 % by phone, 31.3 % by email, 4.8 % by video). Overall, 112/121 (92.6 %) GI Units issued and followed a specific protocol for the management of patients with suspectedor confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The 72.2 % of the staff received proper training for the use of personal protective equipment, although 45.5 % did not havesufficient devices for an adequate replacement. With regard to PPE availability, N95/FFP2-3 masks were available in 91/121 (75.2 %), surgical masks in 115/121 (95.0 %),gloves in 117/121 (96.7 %), disposable gown in 100/121 (82.6 %), hairnet in 104/121 (85.9 %), goggles in 78/121 (64.5 %)and boots in 57/121 (47.1 %) of divisions. Finally, in 41/121 GI divisions (33.9 %) there was at least one healthcare professional who got infected, in a total of 132subjects, of which 121/132 from divisions not-converted to COVID Units and 75/132 from high-prevalence areas. Conclusions Substantial changes of practice and reduction of procedures have been recorded in the entire country duringthe first wave of the pandemic. The long-term impact of such modifications is difficult to estimate but potentially very riskyfor many digestive diseases.
Résumé
Since the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has been spreading globally, Italy and other nations worldwide have been adopting very strict measures to protect populations from the infection. However, the number of infected people is growing exponentially and the COVID-19 disease has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Endoscopy units (EUs) face significant risk for diffusion of respiratory diseases that can be spread via an airborne route, including aspiration of oral and fecal material via endoscopes. The purpose of this article is to discuss the potential impact of COVID-19 infections on EUs and to show how they should contribute to fighting the spread of this infection, protecting both patients and healthcare personnel. Further, we briefly report data on the current burden of the COVID-19 outbreak on EUs across Italy.