Reasons for Rigid Endoscope Damage and Maintenance

Causes of damage to rigid endoscopes:

Rigid endoscopes are expensive and frequently used precision equipment, which are more fragile and may cause damage to rigid endoscopes in all aspects of use.

(1) Falls, collisions, incorrect access methods, improper use of surgical instruments, and savage force when used by doctors during surgical operations will all cause damage to the rigid endoscope.

(2) The cleaning and sterilization process is the second biggest killer of endoscope damage. Some non-professional nurses do not understand the methods and steps of cleaning and disinfection during cleaning, which causes the rigid endoscope to be squeezed or damaged by other sharp weapons, causing its sealing performance to be damaged and causing water leakage, and the objective lens and eyepiece to be contaminated.

(3) Storage without protective measures after cleaning will also cause damage to the rigid endoscope.

Precautions when using hard endoscopes:

The connection between the lens body and the working tube is the main force of the hard endoscope, which is prone to bending. Usually, when taking and storing, you should take the correct method of holding the mirror. Hold the mirror body in one hand, hold the tube in the other hand, and take it lightly. During the operation, try to avoid putting together surgical instruments with sharp edges. It is forbidden to place the mirror vertically, and it is forbidden to tap the body of the mirror.

Method of maintenance of rigid endoscope：

(1) Strictly follow the maintenance principle of rigid endoscopes, take them lightly, place them separately, and do not collide.

(2) Prevent the mirror from fogging. Soak in warm water and apply anti-fog oil before the operation.

(3) Ultrasonic cleaning of the endoscope cannot be used.

(4) Control the time of pre-vacuum pressure steam sterilization. Mirrors that can usually be sterilized using pre-vacuum pressure steam will be marked with Autoclave on the endoscope. The sterilization time at a temperature of 132~134℃ should be less than 5 min, and the sterilization time at a temperature of 121℃ should be less than 20 min, and it must be cooled naturally after the pre-vacuum pressure steam sterilization.

(5) Do not change the sterilization method frequently, otherwise it will destroy the sealing of the rigid endoscope.

(6) The soaking time of the endoscope in any solution cannot exceed 60min.

Most of the damage to the endoscope is caused by man-made, so controlling the maintenance cost is to control the man-made failure rate. All staff who come into contact with the endoscope must have a clear understanding of the structure of the endoscope and be proficient in the correct use of the endoscope.