Endoscopic mask innovation and protective measures changes during the coronavirus disease‐2019 pandemic: Experience from a Chinese hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic unit.

Endoscopy is widely used as a clinical diagnosis and treatment method for certain hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases. However, due to the distinctive epidemiological characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus causing coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19), healthcare providers are exposed to the patient's respiratory and gastrointestinal fluids, rendering endoscopy a high risk for transmitting a nosocomial infection. This article introduces preventive measures for endoscopic treatment enacted in our medical center during COVID‐19, including the adjustment of indications, the application of endoscope protective equipment, the design and application of endoscopic masks and splash‐proof films, and novel recommendations for bedside endoscope pre‐sterilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]