Ethylene oxide sterilization proves superior for contaminated endoscopes

A study evaluated the efficacy of two reprocessing methods for endoscopes used in pancreatic encapsulated necrosis with multidrug-resistant infections. The pass rate for endoscopes sterilized with ethylene oxide reached 100%, significantly higher than the 61.54% for those using peracetic acid. Microbiological cultures revealed common multidrug-resistant bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The findings underscore the necessity of monitoring all channels of endoscopes, particularly those with auxiliary water functions, to enhance patient safety.