Endoscopy After the COVID-19 Pandemic-What Will Be Different?

Rashid N Lui; Raymond S Y Tang; Philip W Y Chiu

doi:10.1007/s11938-022-00370-5

Endoscopy After the COVID-19 Pandemic-What Will Be Different?

Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol. 2022;20(1):46-59. doi: 10.1007/s11938-022-00370-5. Epub 2022 Jan 26.

Authors

Rashid N Lui^{1

2}, Raymond S Y Tang^{1

2}, Philip W Y Chiu^{2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China.
² Endoscopy Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China.
³ Division of Upper GI and Metabolic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This paper reviews the latest literature regarding the impact of COVID on endoscopy service provision.

Recent findings: Endoscopy has been shown to be largely safe when appropriate infection prevention and control measures are in place. Endoscopy training and education has been profoundly affected though novel training models to overcome this have been developed. Proper handling of delayed or cancelled procedures is of utmost importance to minimize delays in diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer. Adoption of new technologies such as non-endoscopy alternatives and telehealth may be a viable alternative to minimize infection risks.

Summary: This pandemic has led to tangible differences in how we provide endoscopy service in the future. Future research focusing on better risk stratification of patients who need endoscopy, validating novel endoscopy training models, and adopting new technologies are urgently needed to support these changes in the post-pandemic world.

Publication types

Review