Abstract
Disinf ection of the endoscope was imperative to prevent infection especially in retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Although gas sterilization with ethylene oxide was desirable, it was not practical because it took a long time to process and moreover because many patients could not be examined with a limited number of scopes. Then a quick method of disinfection has been developed for a routine work and its effectiveness was bacteriologically evaluated. Our method was as followed. The flexible portion of the scope and the channel for biopsy were washed under running tap water or with an oral hygiene appliance and brushed gently. And then the cord and the channel were disinfected with 0.5% (W/V) chlorhexidine solution for at least three minutes and rinsed with water. Droplets on the exterior were wiped off and the channel was dried with compressor. This process took less than 15 minutes. Our quick method using 0.5% (W/V) chlorhexidine solution proved effective for disinf ection of daily examinatinns.