Endoscopic methods are frequently used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal system pathologies in children. In the investigators' center, which is a pandemic hospital, only emergency endoscopic procedures were performed during the pandemic period, while emergency and elective endoscopic procedures are performed in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health during the normalization process. Staff and patients in endoscopy units are at risk for COVID-19 infection by inhalation of airborne droplets, conjunctival contact, and potential fecal-oral contamination. In order to reduce the risk of contamination, according to the recommendations of the European Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Association (ESGE); proper cleaning of endoscopic devices, non-reuse of disposable devices, cleaning the endoscopy hall with a disinfectant solution, use of gowns FFP2 / 3 masks and jewelry during the procedure, handwashing with soap and hand disinfection is recommended before and after each procedure. In addition, it is recommended that patients who have undergone endoscopic procedures should be followed up or communicated on days 7 and 14 in terms of the development of COVID-19 infection.
It is recommended that patients should be questioned in terms of COVID-19 infection before endoscopy, but rapid antigen testing and serology are not routinely recommended. Molecular diagnosis (PCR, amplification) tests are recommended for patients at risk for COVID-19 infection.
