An Independent Analysis of Flexible Cystoscope Repairs and Cost

Abstract

Olympus cystoscopes require repair every 2 to 3 years and they appear to be durable. The distal deflection tip, specifically the outer bending rubber, is the most common site of flexible cystoscope damage. Although it appears that significant improvements have been made to the deflection apparatus, the number of repairs to other areas has not changed significantly with time. Improvements in form and function of the distal tip, the hand control segment and the fiberoptic bundles may enhance the durability of flexible cystoscopes.

First clinical evaluation of a new single-use flexible cystoscope dedicated to double-J stent removal (Isiris™): a European prospective multicenter study

“…In a retrospective study, Canales et al showed that flexible cystoscopes required repair every 2 to 3 years over a four year study period. However, they did not report the number of uses before repair and the mechanism of damage [18]. And finally, Fuselier and Mason found that 7 cystoscopes were damaged over a two year study period including approximately 2,000 procedures.…”

“…For the latter procedure, this requires a dedicated place with video equipment as well as cystoscopes and graspers. These instruments are fragile and have to be disinfected after each procedure, which may limit the number of procedures due to their availability [16][17][18][19].…”

Prospective trial of single-use, flexible cystoscope for ureteric double-J stent removal: Cost and utility analysis

“…Flexible cystoscopy is a commonly performed diagnostic and therapeutic urological procedure which carries significant financial burden to health systems. 1 Urological departments typically perform flexible cystoscopy in specialised endoscopy units, day procedure units or operating theatres with additional health care professional staffing and cost requirements. Since their invention, double-J ureteric stents have been a critical tool in urological practice and their insertion and removal is one of the most common procedures performed.…”

Cost Analysis and Service Delivery on Using Isiris α™ to Remove Ureteric Stents

“…An independent analysis of Olympus ® fibreoptic flexible cystoscope repairs undertaken by Canales et al showed that the most common damage on a flexible cystoscope is the outer bending rubber on distal deflection tip. 13 This is not unexpected as this part of the flexible cystoscope is constantly subjected to enormous amount of stress especially when it is deflected during cystoscopy. As for our flexible cystoscopes, leaks and cracked lens were the most common issues observed.…”