Reusable Versus Disposable Duodenoscopes for ERCP

Given the recent reports on infection outbreaks, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), caused by contaminated duodenoscopes used at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a disposable (single-use) duodenoscope (Exalt, Single-Use Duodenoscope, Boston Scientific Corporation, Natick, MA) has been developed to circumvent this issue. However, there are currently no data on the technical features and outcomes of disposable duodenoscopes, in comparison with reusable duodenoscopes. The aim of this randomized trial is therefore to evaluate the technical aspects of disposable duodenoscopes and to compare the technical outcomes between the two duodenoscope types.