Be Aware Be Alert Be Prepared: Endoscopy during the COVID-2019 Pandemic

摘要

These are unexpected and uncertain times. The world is at war with an unseen enemy that respects no borders or ethnicity. As medical personnel doctors and health care workers (HCW) are at the forefront of this battle, we need to be well prepared. Gastroenterologists and more specifically endoscopists will come across a daily quota of patients with emergencies such as gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, obstructive jaundice, and cholangitis. Emergency endoscopy in such patients is often life saving. In this issue, Dr. P. Zachariah has clearly explained the way to go ahead with GI endoscopy during this pandemic. Our own societies (Indian Society of Gastroenterology, Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India, and Indian National Association for Study of the Liver) have also put forward guidelines for proper conduct of the procedures. Many other societies, especially from countries which are effected by the virus, have also advocated similar procedural guidelines and it would be worthwhile for all endoscopists to familiarize ourselves with the same. A critical review of this article based on evidence is not feasible as no unit or center has sufficient experience of the same. It is up to each endoscopy unit to adopt to these guidelines and suggestions as well as those described in detail in the article by Dr. P. Zachariah.