Flexible ureteroscopy: reuse? Or is single use the new direction?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Single-use flexible ureteroscopes (su-fURS) aim at overcoming the main limitations of conventional reusable ureteroscopes in terms of acquisition and maintenance costs, breakages, and reprocessing. However, little data exist to date regarding the superiority of su-fURS at this regard. We aimed to perform a systematic literature review on available su-fURS performance with a focus on clinical data for all articles in the last 10 years. RECENT FINDINGS: To date, more than 10 different su-fURS are available on the market, with different characteristics and performance. Some of these devices have top-level features, almost catching up with those observed in reusable flexible ureteroscopes. Clinical evidence is mainly available only for two models, LithoVue and Uscope PU3022, and to date it is not strong enough to support routine adoption and use of su-fURS, with a consequent lack of consensus of specific clinical indications. Cost-effectiveness analyses seem to indicate an economic disadvantage in the routine adoption of su-fURS. Environmental issues related to the use of su-fURS also remain to be inquired and addressed. SUMMARY: Since their introduction, su-fURS have gained widespread popularity. Despite their ability at addressing reusable ureteroscope limitations, high-cost and a substantial lack of evidence are still limiting their routine adoption.

Single use versus reusable digital flexible ureteroscopes: A prospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the performance and surgical outcomes of two different single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes with a reusable video flexible ureteroscope. METHODS: Patients undergoing retrograde flexible ureteroscopy at Nepean Hospital, Sydney, Australia, were included in this study. Three different flexible ureteroscopes were used in this study: (i) single-use digital LithoVue (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA); (ii) single-use digital PU3022A (Pusen, Zhuhai, China); and (iii) reusable digital URF-V2 (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan). Visibility and maneuverability was rated on a 5-point Likert scale by the operating surgeon. Operative outcomes and complications were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were included in the present study. Of these, 141 patients had ureteroscopy for stone treatment, four for endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery and five for diagnostic/tumor treatment. There were 55 patients in the LithoVue group, 31 in the PU3022A group and 64 patients in the Olympus URF-V2 group. The URF-V2 group had higher visibility scores than both the single-use scopes and higher maneuverability scores when compared with the PU3022A. The LithoVue had higher visibility and maneuverability scores when compared with the PU3022A. There were no differences in operative time, rates of relook flexible ureteroscopes, scope failure or complication rates observed. CONCLUSIONS: Single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes have visibility and maneuverability profiles approaching that of a reusable digital flexible ureteroscope. Single-use flexible ureteroscopes achieve similar clinical outcomes to the more expensive reusable versions.

A comprehensive literature-based equation to compare cost-effectiveness of a flexible ureteroscopy program with single-use versus reusable devices.

PURPOSE: To critically review all literature concerning the cost-effectiveness of flexible ureteroscopy comparing single-use with reusable scopes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic online literature review was performed in PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar databases. All factors potentially affecting surgical costs or clinical outcomes were considered. Prospective assessments, case control and case series studies were included. RESULTS: 741 studies were found. Of those, 18 were duplicated and 77 were not related to urology procedures. Of the remaining 646 studies, 59 were considered of relevance and selected for further analysis. Stone free and complication rates were similar between single-use and reusable scopes. Operative time was in average 20% shorter with digital scopes, single-use or not. Reusable digital scopes seem to last longer than optic ones, though scope longevity is very variable worldwide. New scopes usually last four times more than refurbished ones and single-use ureterorenoscopes have good resilience throughout long cases. Longer scope longevity is achieved with Cidex and if a dedicated nurse takes care of the sterilization process. The main surgical factors that negatively impact device longevity are lower pole pathologies, large stone burden and non-use of a ureteral access sheath. We have built a comprehensive fi nancial costeffective decision model to fl exible ureteroscope acquisition. CONCLUSIONS: The cost-effectiveness of a fl exible ureteroscopy program is dependent of several aspects. We have developed a equation to allow a literature-based and adaptable decision model to every interested stakeholder. Disposable devices are already a reality and will progressively become the standard as manufacturing price falls.

A comprehensive literature-based equation to compare cost-effectiveness of a flexible ureteroscopy program with single-use versus reusable devices

ABSTRACT Purpose to critically review all literature concerning the cost-effectiveness of flexible ureteroscopy comparing single-use with reusable scopes. Materials and Methods A systematic online literature review was performed in PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar databases. All factors potentially affecting surgical costs or clinical outcomes were considered. Prospective assessments, case control and case series studies were included. Results 741 studies were found. Of those, 18 were duplicated and 77 were not related to urology procedures. Of the remaining 646 studies, 59 were considered of relevance and selected for further analysis. Stone free and complication rates were similar between single-use and reusable scopes. Operative time was in average 20% shorter with digital scopes, single-use or not. Reusable digital scopes seem to last longer than optic ones, though scope longevity is very variable worldwide. New scopes usually last four times more than refurbished ones and single-use ureterorenoscopes have good resilience throughout long cases. Longer scope longevity is achieved with Cidex and if a dedicated nurse takes care of the sterilization process. The main surgical factors that negatively impact device longevity are lower pole pathologies, large stone burden and non-use of a ureteral access sheath. We have built a comprehensive financial cost-effective decision model to flexible ureteroscope acquisition. Conclusions The cost-effectiveness of a flexible ureteroscopy program is dependent of several aspects. We have developed a equation to allow a literature-based and adaptable decision model to every interested stakeholder. Disposable devices are already a reality and will progressively become the standard as manufacturing price falls.

Avoiding a Lemon: Performance Consistency of Single-Use Ureteroscopes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Single-use flexible ureteroscopes are increasingly popular because of high repair costs of reusable ureteroscopes. As new single-use ureteroscopes enter the market, the consistency of performance of these devices has been questioned. Our objective was to compare two single-use ureteroscopes: the Pusen PU3022a (Zhuhai Pusen) and the LithoVue (Boston Scientific) with emphasis on physical and optical performance consistency. METHODS: Ten LithoVue and 10 Pusen ureteroscopes were evaluated in never-used condition. The following parameters were recorded: maximal tip deflection with an empty working channel, 200 µm laser fiber, and 1.9F basket; image resolution at 10, 20, and 50 mm; and irrigation flow rate; all ureteroscopes were then fully deflected for 200 cycles. Maximum deflection was remeasured. Mean values for each parameter were compared. To examine within-manufacturer consistency, the variance was calculated and an F-test performed to evaluate for equivalence. RESULTS: Both ureteroscopes provided max deflection over 270°. The Pusen flexed to a greater degree than LithoVue. The Pusen lost more deflection with a laser fiber in the working channel. LithoVue had higher resolution at 10 mm, but the ureteroscopes were similar at 20 and 50 mm. Although the working channel diameter is identical, irrigation flow was higher with the Pusen. However, its working channel was 7 cm shorter than LithoVue. After 200 cycles of deflections, LithoVue had less deflection loss, although one ureteroscope was excluded from analysis because of mechanical failure. Variability was minimal and not significant between manufacturers at all measured parameters. CONCLUSIONS: LithoVue and the newer PU3022a have similar "out-of-the-box" performance characteristics and seem durable. These two single-use flexible ureteroscopes performed consistently regardless of the manufacturer.

Single-Use Flexible Ureteroscopes: How Do They Compare with Reusable Ureteroscopes?

Flexible ureteroscopy has become an important tool in the urologist's armamentarium. Until recently, reusable ureteroscopes were the only tools available to perform ureteroscopy. However, in recent years, single-use flexible and semirigid ureteroscopes have been developed as an alternative to reusable ureteroscopes. These disposable ureteroscopes were designed to mitigate problems associated with the use of reusable ureteroscopes, including the high costs related to ureteroscope acquisition, maintenance, processing, sterilization, and repairs. In this review, we provide an overview of currently available single-use flexible ureteroscopes, which include LithoVue, Uscope, NeoFlex, and Shaogang, as well as the Neoscope semirigid ureteroscope. The functional capabilities (deflection, irrigation, and optical properties) of each ureteroscope are also discussed.

Fiberoptic versus Digital: A Comparison of Durability and Cost Effectiveness of the Two Flexible Ureteroscopes.

AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the durability and cost effectiveness of the latest digital flexible ureterescope by comparing it with the conventional fiberoptic one. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery between January 2013 and December 2014 were collected. Fiberoptic Flex-X2 or digital Cobra vision flexible ureteroscopes were used for the procedures. The comparison of both ureteroscopes was performed in terms of patient and stone characteristics, operative outcomes, durability, and cost effectiveness. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients were evaluated for the study. The patient and stone characteristics and operative outcomes were similar between the groups. Overall, 54 and 51 procedures were performed using Flex-X2 and Cobra vision, respectively, before they were sent for renovation. The purchase prices were USD 29,500 for Flex-X2 and USD 58,000 for Cobra vision. Costs of per case were determined as USD 549.29 for Flex-X2 and as USD 1,137.25 for Cobra vision. Per minute working time costs were USD 772.04 and 1,471.33 for Flex-X2 and Cobra vision respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The digital Cobra vision has high costs without any difference in durability as compared to Flex-X2. Moreover, it has no benefit over Flex-X2 in terms of surgical outcomes.

Steep Infundibulopelvic Angle as a New Risk Factor for Flexible Ureteroscope Damage and Complicated Postoperative Course.

OBJECTIVE: The increasing number of flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) procedures, the fragility of devices, and their growing repair costs represent a substantial burden for urological departments worldwide. No risk factors of flexible ureteroscope damage have been identified so far. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of infundibulopelvic angle (IPA) on device damage and on other intraoperative and postoperative factors such as length of hospital stay, surgical complications, stone-free rate (SFR), operation, and fluoroscopy time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective monocentric study, IPA was measured based on intraoperative retrograde pyelography images taken during fURS. All procedures were conducted with modern reusable flexible ureteroscopes: Karl Storz Flex-X2 or Olympus URF-V. Statistical analysis was performed in RStudio (version 1.0.136) with the unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Pearson correlation coefficient (Pearson's r) was measured whenever applicable. RESULTS: In total, 381 fURS performed between September 2013 and March 2017 were analyzed: 260 (68.24%) for kidney stone operation and 121 (31.76%) for diagnostic purposes; of these, 38 (9.97%) devices were postoperatively deemed defective. IPA values were significantly steeper in cases with flexible ureteroscope damage compared to cases without damage (median 42.5 degrees vs 56.0, p < 0.001). Steeper IPA was significantly associated with the occurrence of Clavien-Dindo ≥2 complications (median 51.0 degrees vs 55.0, p = 0.005) as well as prolonged hospital stay (median 51.0 degrees vs 55.0, p = 0.014). No influence on SFR was observed (p > 0.05). IPA did not correlate with operation or fluoroscopy time. CONCLUSIONS: Steep IPA can be considered the first risk factor predicting both flexible ureteroscope damage and an unfavorable postoperative course. A better understanding of damage mechanisms is the key for the proper indications to use costly single-use devices.

Single-use disposable digital flexible ureteroscopes: an ex vivo assessment and cost analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and measure the capability of a single-use disposable digital flexible ureteroscope, the LithoVue™ (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA), and to assess if there is a benefit to switching to single-use scopes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The LithoVue was compared to two commonly used reusable flexible ureteroscopes (Olympus URF-V [Olympus, Tokyo, Japan] and Karl Storz Flex-Xc [Karl Storz & Co. KG, Tuttlingen, Germany]) ex vivo. An analysis of reusable ureteroscope usage was performed to evaluate damage, durability, and maintenance costs. This was then compared to the projected costs of using single-use disposable scopes. RESULTS: Flexion, deflection and irrigation flow of the LithoVue was equivalent, if not better than the reusable flexible ureteroscopes. An analysis of 234 procedures with seven new Olympus URF-V scopes, revealed 15 scope damages. Staghorn stones and lower pole/mid-zone stones were significant risk factors for damage (P = 0.014). Once damage occurred it was likely to occur again. Total repair costs were $162 628 (Australian dollars) (£92 411 in Great British pounds), the mean cost per case was $695 (£395). Factoring in the purchase cost, cleaning and repair costs, the cumulative cost of 28 reusable flexible ureteroscopy procedures was ~$50 000 (£28 412). If the LithoVue was priced at $1 200 (£682), switching to a single-use scope would cost ~$35 000 (£19 888). CONCLUSION: The LithoVue is analogous to reusable flexible ureteroscopes in regard to standard technical metrics. Depending on its purchase cost it may also represent a cost saving for hospitals when compared to the cumulative costs of maintaining reusable scopes. Additionally, urologist may consider using the scope in cases in which reusable scope damage is anticipated.

Clinical outcomes and costs of reusable and single-use flexible ureterorenoscopes: a prospective cohort study.

The purpose of this study is to analyze clinical outcomes and costs of single-use flexible ureterorenoscopes in comparison with reusable flexible ureterorenoscopes in a tertiary referral center. Prospectively, 68 flexible ureterorenoscopies utilizing reusable (Flex-X2S, Flex-XC, Karl Storz) and 68 applying single-use flexible ureterorenoscopes (LithoVue, Boston Scientific) were collected. Clinical outcome parameters such as overall success rate, complication rates according to Clavien-Dindo, operation time and radiation exposure time were measured. Cost analysis was based on purchase costs and recurrent costs for repair and reprocessing divided by number of procedures. In each group 68 procedures were available for evaluation. In 91% of reusable and 88% of single-use ureterorenoscopies stone disease was treated with a mean stone burden of 101 ± 226 and 90 ± 244 mm2 and lower pole involvement in 47 and 41%, respectively (p > 0.05). Comparing clinical outcomes of reusable vs. single-use instruments revealed no significant difference for overall success rates (81 vs. 87%), stone-free rates (82 vs. 85%), operation time (76.2 ± 46.8 vs. 76.8 ± 40.2 min), radiation exposure time (3.83 ± 3.15 vs. 3.93 ± 4.43 min) and complication rates (7 vs. 17%) (p > 0.05). A wide range of repair and purchase costs resulted in total to $1212-$1743 per procedure for reusable ureterorenoscopy whereas price of single-use ureterorenoscopy was $1300-$3180 per procedure. The current work provided evidence for equal clinical effectiveness of reusable and single-use flexible ureterorenoscopes. Partially overlapping ranges of costs for single-use and reusable scopes stress the importance to precisely know the expenses and caseload when negotiating purchase prices, repair prices and warranty conditions.

Micro-Costing Analysis Demonstrates Comparable Costs for LithoVue Compared to Reusable Flexible Fiberoptic Ureteroscopes.

INTRODUCTION: Reusable ureteroscope durability and need for repair are significant sources of expense and inefficiency for patients and urologists. Utilization of LithoVue™, a disposable flexible digital ureteroscope, may address some of these concerns. To identify its economic impact on clinical care, we performed a micro-cost comparison between flexible reusable fiberoptic ureteroscopes (URF-P6™) and LithoVue. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For this prospective, single-center micro-costing study, all consecutive ureteroscopies performed during 1 week each in July and August 2016 utilized either URF-P6 or LithoVue ureteroscopes respectively. Workflow data were collected, including intraoperative events, postoperative reprocessing cycle timing, consumables usage, and ureteroscope cost data. RESULTS: Intraoperative data analysis showed mean total operating room time for URF-P6 and LithoVue cases were 93.4 ± 32.3 and 73.6 ± 17.4 minutes, respectively (p = 0.093). Mean cost of operating room usage per case was calculated at $1618.72 ± 441.39 for URF-P6 and $1348.64 ± 237.40 for LithoVue based on institutional cost rates exclusive of disposables. Postoperative data analysis revealed costs of $107.27 for labor and consumables during reprocessing for URF-P6 cases. The costs of ureteroscope repair and capital acquisition for each URF-P6 case were $957.71 and $116.02, respectively. The total ureteroscope cost per case for URF-P6 and LithoVue were $2799.72 and $2852.29, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Micro-cost analysis revealed that the cost of LithoVue acquisition is higher per case compared to reusable fiberoptic ureteroscopes, but savings are realized in labor, consumables, and repair. When accounting for these factors, the total cost per case utilizing these two ureteroscopes were comparable.

Retrospective Cost Analysis of a Single-Center Reusable Flexible Ureterorenoscopy Program: A Comparative Cost Simulation of Disposable fURS as an Alternative.

OBJECTIVE: The increasing number of flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) procedures, the fragility of devices, and their growing maintenance and repair costs represent a substantial burden for urologic departments. Disposable single-use fURS devices offer many advantages over reusable fURS. Among them, the LithoVue™ model shows the best clinical utility. In our study, we assessed the economic aspects of reusable fURS application compared with the potential costs and benefits of single-use fURS (LithoVue™). Indications for single-use fURS were proposed based on potential risk factors of reusable fURS damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective analysis compared the actual cost of reusable fURS procedures with the potential costs of LithoVue™ based on the price offered by the manufacturer. Consecutive case analysis of damaged fURS was performed to determine potential risk factors associated with fURS damage. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 423 reusable fURS procedures conducted between January 2013 and December 2016. During this period, 102 (24.11%) diagnostic fURS and 321 (75.89%) fURS for kidney stone therapy were performed. In 32 of 423 (7.57%) fURS cases, devices were postoperatively deemed defective, 9 of which were used for diagnostic procedures (9/102; 8.82%), 7 for stone removal (7/148; 4.73%), and 16 for stone removal and laser (Ho:YAG) application (16/173; 9.25%). The average cost per reusable fURS procedure was found to be €503.26. CONCLUSIONS: Disposable fURS is a more expensive option for high-volume centers. Based on our case analysis, laser disintegration treatment of multiple, large stones in the lower kidney pole of recurrent stone formers, as well as a steep infundibulopelvic angle (IPA ≤50°), seems to be the main risk factor for fURS damage. For these cases, disposable fURS may be a cost-effective alternative; however, a prospective comparison of economic outcomes between disposable and reusable fURS, together with confirmation of the proposed damage risk factors, is needed.

Defining the Costs of Reusable Flexible Ureteroscope Reprocessing Using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing.

PURPOSE: Careful decontamination and sterilization of reusable flexible ureteroscopes used in ureterorenoscopy cases prevent the spread of infectious pathogens to patients and technicians. However, inefficient reprocessing and unavailability of ureteroscopes sent out for repair can contribute to expensive operating room (OR) delays. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) was applied to describe the time and costs involved in reprocessing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Direct observation and timing were performed for all steps in reprocessing of reusable flexible ureteroscopes following operative procedures. Estimated times needed for each step by which damaged ureteroscopes identified during reprocessing are sent for repair were characterized through interviews with purchasing analyst staff. Process maps were created for reprocessing and repair detailing individual step times and their variances. Cost data for labor and disposables used were applied to calculate per minute and average step costs. RESULTS: Ten ureteroscopes were followed through reprocessing. Process mapping for ureteroscope reprocessing averaged 229.0 ± 74.4 minutes, whereas sending a ureteroscope for repair required an estimated 143 minutes per repair. Most steps demonstrated low variance between timed observations. Ureteroscope drying was the longest and highest variance step at 126.5 ± 55.7 minutes and was highly dependent on manual air flushing through the ureteroscope working channel and ureteroscope positioning in the drying cabinet. Total costs for reprocessing totaled $96.13 per episode, including the cost of labor and disposable items. CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing TDABC delineates the full spectrum of costs associated with ureteroscope reprocessing and identifies areas for process improvement to drive value-based care. At our institution, ureteroscope drying was one clearly identified target area. Implementing training in ureteroscope drying technique could save up to 2 hours per reprocessing event, potentially preventing expensive OR delays.

[Evaluation of the operating results and costs associated with the implementation of a flexible ureteroscopy activity within a university hospital center]. / Évaluation des résultats opératoires et des coûts liés à la mise en place d'une activité d'urétéroscopie souple au sein d'un centre hospitalo-universitaire.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing use of flexible ureteroscopy (USSR) sets the cost problems inevitably associated with the fragility of these endoscopes. The aim of this work is to clear from a recent example (universitary hospital) results, costs during the implementation of this technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted from December 2012 (date of introduction of the activity) in March 2015 concerning the USSR made in a French universitary hospital for stone disease. In this analysis, the cost of consumables was not evaluated, nor the costs of the operating theater or hospitalization. RESULTS: One hundred forty-one hundred and thirteen patients USSR were conducted by seven surgeons. Seventeen breakages and failures have been identified and have led to the sending of the endoscope for repair. Breakage rate and failure was 12%. All failures were treated with a standard exchange of the device (including 4 standard exchanges made under warranty). The estimated average cost of outages was 3600 euros. This represents an average cost per procedure of about 625 euros (acquisition plus cost of failures) without counting the costs of sterilization or high-level disinfection. The impossibility of relocating the lower calyx stones is associated with an excess risk of breakage (odd ratio: 2.92 CI95: [1.02; 8.37]). CONCLUSION: This study is novel because it focuses on the cost of implementing a technique in a French university hospital. The use of flexible ureteroscope to unique uses might be an interesting source of savings in the implementation of this technique. This remains to be evaluated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

The Economic Implications of a Reusable Flexible Digital Ureteroscope: A Cost-Benefit Analysis.

PURPOSE: Questions remain regarding the durability and longevity of flexible ureteroscopes. The objective of this study was to estimate the potential economic benefits of single use, flexible digital ureteroscopes compared to our recent experience with reusable flexible digital ureteroscopes using cost-benefit analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ureteroscopic procedures were prospectively recorded over the 12-month period of February 2014 to February 2015. All flexible ureteroscopies were performed using Flex XC digital ureteroscopes (Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, El Segundo, California). Cost assessment was based on the original purchasing cost and repair-exchange fees divided by the number of cases. An algorithm was created to include per case reprocessing costs and calculate the benefit-to-cost ratio. This cost was compared to potential costs of the LithoVue™, a single use digital ureteroscope. RESULTS: In 160 cases a flexible reusable ureteroscope was used. There was damage to 11 ureteroscopes during this time with an average of 12.5 cases to failure. Excluding original purchasing costs, the cost analysis revealed an amortized cost of $848.10 per use. After 99 ureteroscope cases the cost-benefit analysis favored reusable ureteroscopes compared to disposable ureteroscopes. CONCLUSIONS: Digital ureteroscopes are the latest trend in the evolution of endourology. It appears that a disposable ureteroscope may be cost beneficial at centers with a lower case volume per year. However, institutions with a high volume of cases may find reusable ureteroscopes cost beneficial.

Cost-Free Laser Caging in the Operating Room.

We have assembled a three-step process for securing and presetting the functional length of the laser fiber to be used for ureteroscopic lithotripsy. For this process, three components are required: a sterile piece of adhesive, an empty guidewire casing with a pre-attached Luer-Lok™ fitting, and a SureSeal® adapter. The only additional piece of equipment for this arrangement not routinely used during ureteroscopy is the sterile adhesive strip.

Understanding the costs of flexible ureteroscopy.

Ureteroscopy (URS) is the first line treatment for the majority of symptomatic renal and ureteral stones. This review summarizes the current literature on the costs associated with URS. A high initial investment is required for scope acquisition. Once purchased, maintenance and repair costs continue to accrue. Durability of the scopes is an important consideration as more durable scopes will remain functional for longer and thus have lower overall repair costs. Currently available, newer generation scopes appear highly durable compared to their predecessors. Ancillary equipment, mostly disposable items represent the highest per procedure cost of URS. Despite these costs, URS remains highly profitable. However, it is also efficacious demonstrating superior cost-effectiveness with higher stone free rates at a lower cost relative to shock wave lithotripsy.

Cost Analysis of Flexible Ureteroscope Repairs: Evaluation of 655 Procedures in a Community-Based Practice.

INTRODUCTION: The frequency of flexible ureteroscopy has increased with the introduction of improved instrumentation. Ureteroscopes allow increased endoscopic access to the ureter and kidney. However, maintenance and repair of scopes may increase the total procedure expense. METHODS: In 3 years (8/2011-7/2014), 655 flexible ureteroscopies were performed at a single-specialty, urology, ambulatory surgery center. Procedures were performed by 26 board-certified urologists using four Olympus URF P5 flexible ureteroscopes. The instruments were handled by a single team and sterilized through the STERIS System E1. Repairs were performed by the manufacturer on an as needed basis. Patient records were reviewed to determine the preoperative diagnosis, operative time, location and size of the stone, and use of laser or ureteral sheath. The occurrence, nature of flexible ureteroscope damage, and cost of repairs were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the ureteroscopies performed, 78% was for the treatment of calculi (50.1% in the kidney). Mean stone size was 8.5 ± 0.2 mm, with larger stones (11 mm) located in the kidney. The flexible ureteroscope was advanced over a guidewire (88% of cases); a laser fiber was introduced in 70%, and a ureteral sheath was used in 13.4%. Mean procedure time was 40 minutes. The most common reasons for ureteroscope repair were cloudy lens (16 repairs) and broken optic fibers (9 repairs). There were 31 repairs during the study period (average 21 cases per repair). Flexible ureteroscopes were out of service for an average of 11 days per repair (range 3-20). The total cost of repairs was $233,150 or ∼$7521 per repair. The average repair cost per flexible ureteroscopy performed was $355. CONCLUSIONS: Expenses associated with instrument repair can significantly impact a procedure's net revenue, thus efforts should be made to minimize instrument breakage. The expense of repairing a flexible ureteroscope per procedure can be significant and needs to be considered when pricing this procedure.

The effect of repair costs on the profitability of a ureteroscopy program.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ureteroscopy (URS) is a common treatment for patients with stone disease. One of the disadvantages of this approach is the great capital expense associated with the purchase and repair of endoscopic equipment. In some cases, these costs can outpace revenues and lead to an unprofitable and unsustainable enterprise. We sought to characterize the profitability of our URS program when accounting for endoscope maintenance and repair costs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified all URS cases performed at a single hospital during fiscal year 2013 (FY2013). Charges, collection rates, and fixed and variable costs including annual equipment repair costs were obtained. The net margin and break-even point of URS were derived on a per-case basis. RESULTS: For 190 cases performed in FY2013, total endoscope repair costs totaled $115,000, resulting in an average repair cost of $605 per case. The vast majority of cases (94.2%) were conducted in the outpatient setting, which generated a net margin of $659 per case, while inpatient cases yielded a net loss of $455. URS was ultimately associated with a net positive margin approaching $600 per case. On break-even analysis, URS remained profitable until repair costs reached $1200 per case. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, an established URS program can sustain profitability even with large equipment repair costs. Nonetheless, our findings serve to emphasize the importance of controlling costs, particularly in the current setting of decreasing reimbursement. A multifaceted approach, based on improving endoscope durability and exploring digital and disposable platforms, will be critical in maintaining the sustainability of URS.

Prospective evaluation of refurbished flexible ureteroscope durability seen in a large public tertiary care center with multiple surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the durability and cost of maintenance for outsourced, refurbished flexible ureteroscopes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ureteroscope usage and repair were prospectively recorded over a 365-day period at a large 836-bed public hospital. Cases were performed by 14 different urologists using either refurbished DUR-8 or DUR-8 Elite model ureteroscopes. Retrograde cases involving calculi, urothelial carcinoma, stricture, and diagnostic evaluations were included. Ureteroscope repairs were performed by a single outsourced repair vendor, not the original manufacturer. RESULTS: A total of 501 ureteroscopic cases involving 550 ureteroscope usages were performed over a 365-day period. Semirigid ureteroscopes were used for 281 (56.1%) cases and refurbished flexible ureteroscopes for 220 (43.9%). The reason for the ureteroscopy was calculi in 386 (77.0%) cases, urothelial carcinoma in 32 (6.4%), stricture in 36 (7.2%), and diagnostic in 47 (9.4%). No repairs were needed during this period for semirigid scopes. Ureteral access sheaths were used in 82 (37.7%) of the cases. A total of 32 instances of catastrophic breakage occurred. Each newly refurbished ureteroscope was used for an average of 6.9 times before incurring further damage requiring repair. CONCLUSION: Refurbished flexible ureteroscopes that have undergone comprehensive repair are extremely fragile in the setting of multiple surgeon users in a large public hospital that uses central processing for sterilization and storage. This poor durability results in significant maintenance, repair, and administrative inconvenience that should be considered along with the purchase price.