[Disinfection of endoscopes in gastroenterology. Bacteriologic evaluation of the procedure employed in the endoscopic unit at the Mongi Slim Hospital of Tunisia].

An evaluation was made of the incidence of contamination of the endoscopes during gastroscopy and colonoscopy and of the efficacy of the disinfection procedure used in our digestive endoscopy unit. Serial bacteriological samples were made before and after the endoscopy session and also between patient procedures. These samples were taken on the endoscopes and their accessories and also on the walls, examination table, gloves and the uniforms of the staff. Over 60 p. cent of the samples were positive showing that the disinfection technique was not bacteriologicaly satisfactory. Most of the micro-organisms found were opportunists. Firm guidelines regarding adequate disinfection are important and regular micro-biological control of disinfection procedures must be performed.