Análisis del reprocesamiento de endoscopios en un centro gastroenterológico de Guayaquil: Desarrollo de una guía estandarizada para mejorar la seguridad del paciente

Abstract

Endoscopy has experienced rapid development and has become a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic method. This has resulted in a significant increase in the number of cases treated, which often leads to a reduction in the time allocated for cleaning and disinfecting equipment, thereby increasing the risk of colonization and/or infection associated with the use of these biomedical devices. Despite undergoing high-level cleaning and disinfection processes, endoscopes have been linked to outbreaks of healthcare-associated infections due to the residual contamination that these devices may present. Therefore, the objective of this research was to develop a standardized guide for the reprocessing of endoscopes in a gastroenterology center in Guayaquil, aimed at improving patient safety and optimizing procedures from the perspective of biomedical engineering. The methodology employed includes analyzing all stages of reprocessing reported in the literature, from initial cleaning to disinfection and storage, focusing exclusively on endoscopes used in gastrointestinal procedures. Additionally, national and international regulations and standards were reviewed, comparing them with local regulations from the Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador. The results obtained indicate that the implementation of a standardized guide can significantly contribute to the reduction of infections associated with the use of endoscopes, as well as decrease costs related to the treatment of nosocomial infections. Furthermore, the guide will facilitate the continuous training of medical and technical personnel, ensuring they remain updated with the latest techniques and technologies. In conclusion, while the results obtained are crucial for improving patient safety and optimizing procedures in the field of gastroenterology, it is essential to continue updating the guide to provide high-quality medical service.