Guidance for Endoscopy Facilities to Reduce and Delay Transmission of COVID-19

A joint presentation with the Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG).

Presented by: Dr. Jeff Hawel, Dr. Frances Tse, Dr. Kevin Waschke, Dr. Grigorios Leontiadis
Recorded on: May 6, 2020

Session Description

Review and discuss the CAG position papers on COVID-19 and 1) PPE for endoscopy and 2) resumption of endoscopic service

Session Objectives

  • To understand the recommended PPE requirements when performing endoscopic procedures in the COVID-19 environment
  • To understand the recommended approach to resumption of endoscopic service after COVID-19

Presentation Slides

Slides courtesy of Dr. Frances Tse

Questions & Answers

Due to the large volume of attendee questions, we were unable to answer them in the time provided.
Our presenters have graciously agreed to answer remaining questions here.

About the Presenters

Dr. Jeffrey Hawel, MD, MSc, FRCSC joined the Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, with an appointment as an Adjunct Professor through Western University on September 1, 2017.
Dr. Hawel completed his residency in General Surgery here at Western, and went on to complete a Fellowship in Advanced Gastrointestinal Minimally Invasive Surgery at Dalhousie University.

Dr. Frances Tse is an Associate Professor and Chief of Service for Gastroenterology at Hamilton Health Sciences. After receiving her MD at the University of Calgary, she completed her Internal Medicine residency, Gastroenterology Fellowship, and MSc in Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics at McMaster University. She went on to complete two additional years of fellowship in Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy (EUS & ERCP) at McGill University in Montreal. She has been on staff at McMaster University since 2005. She was the Program Director for the Adult Gastroenterology Training Program from 2009-2015. Her clinical, research and medical education efforts are focused in Therapeutic Endoscopy.

Dr. Grigorios Leontiadis is Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology at McMaster University, Canada. His research interest includes methodology for clinical practice guidelines, as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses especially with regards to appraisal of the quality of evidence. He currently serves as VP Clinical Affairs at the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology, overseeing the sections of Practice Affairs, Endoscopy, Regional Representation and Pediatric Gastroenterology. He is Joint Coordinating Editor of the Gut Cochrane Group and Associate Editor for the American Journal of Gastroenterology and the Journal of Canadian Association of Gastroenterology. He is a member of the Guideline Committee of the World Organization of Gastroenterology and guideline methodologist for the American Association of Gastroenterology, American College of Gastroenterology and Canadian Association of Gastroenterology.

Dr. Kevin Waschke is a gastroenterologist at the McGill University Health Center (MUHC). His clinical activities include EUS, ERCP, therapeutic endoscopy and general gastroenterology. He is an active clinical teacher, with a particular interest in endoscopy training. He has numerous academic roles, notably the President of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology, and provides ongoing expertise in educational design for the PQDCCR (Quebec colon cancer screening program), CAG SEE Program (Skills enhancement in endoscopy), ASGE STAR Programs and ASGE GI Leap educational platform. During the COVID pandemic he is also acting as the Réaffectation (Medical Manpower) Coordinator for the MUHC.