In gastroenterology, endoscopy is a crucial diagnostic tool for gastrointestinal diseases. Whether it's a gastroscopy, which allows doctors to directly observe the interior of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to promptly detect conditions like gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and stomach tumors; or a colonoscopy, which delves deep into the intestines to screen for polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and other potential issues—endoscopy provides doctors with "sharp eyes" for precise diagnosis.
However, endoscopic examinations and therapeutic procedures are extremely frequent in gastroenterology. This makes the cleaning of endoscopes particularly critical. If cleaning is incomplete, residual microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses can potentially spread between patients, leading to cross-infection with unimaginable consequences.
In a routine colonoscopy at a hospital's gastroenterology department, a patient presented with abdominal pain and diarrhea. During the examination, the doctor discovered a suspected polyp-like lesion in the patient's intestine. After completing the procedure, the medical staff immediately used an endoscope cleaning sponge. Dipping it in an appropriate amount of multi-enzyme detergent solution, they carefully wiped down the colonoscope.
The cleaning sponge is soft yet resilient, enabling it to easily reach into narrow crevices like the biopsy channel and bending sections of the endoscope. It thoroughly removes attached mucus, blood stains, and intestinal tissue debris. After rinsing with clean water and undergoing disinfection, the colonoscope looked brand new, fully prepared for the next patient's examination. It is precisely due to the efficient cleaning provided by endoscope cleaning sponges that the risk of cross-infection is effectively prevented, safeguarding the safety of every patient.
