Reusable and single-use endoscopes: infection prevention and sustainability considerations – a narrative review

Despite the greater effort required for reprocessing, reusable endoscopes may be environmentally more beneficial than disposable products, particularly when used frequently and with optimized reprocessing procedures. Single-use endoscopes generate more waste and require more resources per usage but may offer advantages in certain situations with regard to infection prevention and logistical simplicity. It is crucial to carefully weigh environmental considerations, patient safety, practical feasibility, and economic factors. For both systems, sustainability considerations must be taken into account in addition to their targeted, indication-specific use. Facility-specific decisions regarding the use of reusable versus single-use endoscopes require knowledge of the patients being treated, the scope of care, care structures, and procedure-specific risks.