Transmission of multi-drug resistant bacteria via ERCP
Patient safety is a primary concern for the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). As recently reported, transmission of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriacae (CRE) has occurred through an advanced, highly technical procedure called ERCP. CRE is a type of multi-drug resistant bacteria, sometimes referred to as "superbugs."
ASGE physician members, gastrointestinal endoscopists, perform the vast majority of ERCPs across the country and throughout the world. ERCP is an important and potentially life-saving procedure, and one that should not be seriously constrained, lest patients lose access to its benefits.
As the leader in patient safety and quality in gastrointestinal endoscopy, ASGE convened the Duodenoscope Infection Control Summit in Washington, DC in 2015, and has defined a research agenda to study this critically important issue. We have worked actively with many stakeholder groups to solve this critically important issue, including the FDA, CDC, and others, and we are committed to keeping our members informed of all relevant guidelines, requirements and recommendations.
Visit this page often for the latest updates on this critically important topic.
Below are resources that may be helpful to physicians, patients and the media.
Important News
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Physician Resources
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Media Resources
Important clarifications for accurate reporting:
- ERCP is NOT a "routine" or "common" endoscopic procedure. It is a highly advanced procedure.
- It is estimated that 500,000 ERCPs are performed annually. This number refers to procedures, not patients. Some patients need multiple ERCPs.
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Patients
FAQ: Handout to Patients
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From the FDA
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Reprocessing
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Related Information:
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