Rigid Endoscope Cleaning: A Telescope Reprocessing Workflow

Start at the point of use

Reprocessing starts in the theatre, not the CSSD. Wipe the telescope shaft immediately after the case with a lint-free cloth moistened with water or the approved solution, so blood and tissue do not dry on the surface. Do not let the optic lie in saline, and never place it under heavy instruments.

Keep telescopes separate from sharp instruments, transport them in a closed, labelled container to the decontamination area and note the serial number for traceability. Cleaning laparoscope after surgery should always follow the same route so that nothing is missed.

Manual cleaning step by step

Always follow the instructions for use (IFU) of the specific telescope, but the sequence is usually the following:

• Check the item and disconnect the light cable and any adapter
• Rinse under cool running water to remove gross soil, as the IFU allows
• Soak or wash in an approved neutral or enzymatic detergent at the stated concentration and time
• Clean the shaft, eyepiece and light-port area with a soft brush or cloth; never use abrasive pads or metal tools
• Rinse thoroughly, ideally with purified water, to remove detergent residue
• Dry with a lint-free cloth and, if allowed, compressed filtered air

Inspect before sterilising

Inspection is where many defects are caught. Look at the distal lens and eyepiece for cracks, haze or residue, check the shaft for dents and bends and test the light guide by holding the light port toward a light and examining the distal end for dark spots from broken fibres. A telescope with a bent shaft or damaged window should be removed from service.

Check image clarity with a test target or the camera before the set goes back to theatre. Keep a log of defects, because repeated damage often reveals handling problems that training can fix.

Disinfection and sterilisation

Rigid telescopes used in sterile body cavities are critical devices, so they must be sterile before use. Many modern telescopes tolerate steam sterilisation, but you must confirm this in the IFU. For example, Richard Wolf states that PANOVIEW ULTRA telescopes show hardly any transmission loss after 500 autoclave cycles. Never assume another model has the same tolerance.

If a telescope cannot be autoclaved, use a validated low-temperature method or the manufacturer's alternative. High-level disinfection is a fallback only where sterilisation is not possible and policy allows. Standards such as ISO 17665 describe steam sterilisation validation; your CSSD manager should confirm the cycle for the load.

Packing, storage and traceability

After cleaning and drying, protect optics from impact. Use a dedicated tray with silicone holders or an optic container; REDA's sterilization container system includes optic containers and wire baskets, along with filters and indicator labels for sets. Make sure the telescope cannot touch other metal during the cycle.

Record each cycle against the telescope serial number and the patient or procedure where your policy requires it. Store sterile sets in a clean, dry, dust-free area and check the sterile barrier before opening.

Common mistakes and support

Frequent errors include using abrasive pads, leaving optics to dry with detergent on them, bending a telescope while brushing the light port, and mixing instruments in a tray so that weight falls on the shaft. Compare with the rigid vs flexible comparison when training mixed teams.

Beckfinity can supply training material and advise on containers and accessories. Contact our specialists for a consultation.