Are ENT Endoscopes at Risk for Infecting Patients?

Note the instrument port which is the inner channel In the media, there have been reports of contaminated endoscopes that have been incompletely sterilized causing life-threatening infections in patients. The endoscopes that have been implicated in these unfortunate infections transferred from one patient to another are known as duodenoscopes or EGD scopes. The main concern that patients have are whether similar (non) sterility issues are also found in endoscopes used in the ENT world. T…

2/26/2015 0

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Esophagoscopy without Sedation [VIDEO]

Here is a video demonstrating how esophagoscopy can be performed in the office without any sedation. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. The exam, called trans-nasal esophagoscopy (TNE), can be performed in any patient as long as the nose is large enough to accommodate the endoscope and lack a severe gag reflex. A very thin disposable sheath (like a condom) is used to protect endoscope and maintain sterility between patient use.

4/12/2014 0

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Saliva Test for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

Various groups have been developing a fast, cheap, non-invasive saliva swab test to determine whether laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is present or not. LPR may cause symptoms of: Hoarseness Chronic (ongoing) cough Frequent throat clearing Constant mucus or phelgm in the throat Dry or sandpaper like sensation in the throat Pain or burning sensation in the throat Feeling of a lump in the throat (globus pharyngeus) Problems swallowing Bad/bitter taste in the mouth (especially in m…

6/12/2012 1

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