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Zhang F, Xu J, Liang H. Single-use flexible ureteroscope provides an alternative treatment for upper urinary calculi: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34829. [PMID: 37682159 PMCID: PMC10489268 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-use flexible ureteroscope and reusable flexible ureteroscope for upper urinary calculi. METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis that had a comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and WanFang databases from 2000/01/01 to 2023/06/01 for available randomized controlled trials. "Ureteroscopes," "Flexible Ureteroscope," "Single-use," and "Upper Urinary Calculi" were used as the major keywords for the search. Review Manager 5.0 and STATA 12.0 were used for calculation and statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 9 randomized controlled trials comprising 1293 participants were included in our meta-analysis. Single use-FURS had better results in stone-free rate (relative risk: 1.08, 95% confidence interval: [1.02, 1.15], P = .02) and postoperative infection (relative risk: 0.41, 95% confidence interval: [0.23, 0.72], P = .002). Operative time, hemoglobin decline, postoperative serum creatinine, postoperative hospital stay, and overall complication after surgery showed no significant differences between the 2 procedures (P > .05). CONCLUSION Single-use flexible ureteroscope provides a valuable alternative to reusable flexible ureteroscope in upper urinary calculi with its better visual field performance and manipulation, opening a new technological revolution for kidney stone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulin Zhang
- Department of Urology, People’s Hospital of Longhua, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinbin Xu
- Department of Urology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Liang
- Department of Urology, People’s Hospital of Longhua, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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Keller EX, Kronenberg P, Tailly T, Corrales M, Juliebø-Jones P, Pietropaolo A, Somani B, De Coninck V. Laser accessories: surgical fibers, strippers, cleavers, and protective glasses. Curr Opin Urol 2022; 32:330-338. [PMID: 35256579 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000000977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides most recent findings and developments relating to surgical laser fibers, strippers, cleavers, and protective glasses. RECENT FINDINGS The smallest core diameter that can be used with Holmium:YAG lasers is 200 μm. Smaller core diameter fibers can be used with the Thulium fiber laser and offer better flexibility and lower risk of fracture, at the risk of greater burnback effect. Misleading discrepancies between the true diameter of laser fibers and their packaging labels must be considered. Fiber tip degradation from the burnback occurs within few minutes, thus questioning the need for time-consuming fiber tip reprocessing with fiber strippers and special cleaving tools. This shortcoming also applies to instrument-protecting ball-tip fibers. Cleavage of fiber tips through their protective jackets ('coated tips') is a cheaper alternative for instrument protection, additionally offering better visual control of the fiber tip. Third-generation side-firing greenlight laser fibers are still prone to rapid deterioration. Laser eyewear does not seem necessary for Holmium:YAG applications, whereas laser-specific protective glasses should be worn for greenlight laser applications. SUMMARY With better understanding of laser accessories, practicing urologists may tailor their practice to reach optimal efficacy and safety for Holmium:YAG, Thulium fiber laser and Greenlight laser applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Xavier Keller
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Urolithiasis & Endourology Working Party, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Kronenberg
- Department of Urology, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal
- Progress in Endourology, Technology and Research Association (PETRA), Paris, France
| | - Thomas Tailly
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Urolithiasis & Endourology Working Party, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mariela Corrales
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Service d'Urologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Juliebø-Jones
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Urolithiasis & Endourology Working Party, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Amelia Pietropaolo
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Urolithiasis & Endourology Working Party, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Bhaskar Somani
- Progress in Endourology, Technology and Research Association (PETRA), Paris, France
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Vincent De Coninck
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Urolithiasis & Endourology Working Party, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, AZ Klina, Brasschaat, Belgium
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Design and Performance Investigation of a Robot-Assisted Flexible Ureteroscopy System. Appl Bionics Biomech 2021; 2021:6911202. [PMID: 34840603 PMCID: PMC8616660 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6911202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) has been developed and has become a preferred routine procedure for both diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones and other renal diseases inside the urinary tract. The traditional manual FURS procedure is highly skill-demanding and easily brings about physical fatigue and burnout for surgeons. The improper operational ergonomics and fragile instruments also hinder its further development and patient safety enhancement. A robotic system is presented in this paper to assist the FURS procedure. The system with a master-slave configuration is designed based on the requirement analysis in manual operation. A joint-to-joint mapping strategy and several control strategies are built to realize intuitive and safe operations. Both phantom and animal experiments validate that the robot has significant advantages over manual operations, including the easy-to-use manner, reduced intraoperative time, and improved surgical ergonomics. The proposed robotic system can solve the major drawbacks of manual FURS. The test results demonstrate that the robot has great potential for clinical applications.
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Göger YE, Özkent MS, Kılınç MT, Taşkapu HH, Göger E, Aydın A, Sönmez MG, Karalezli G. Efficiency of retrograde intrarenal surgery in lower pole stones: disposable flexible ureterorenoscope or reusable flexible ureterorenoscope? World J Urol 2021; 39:3643-3650. [PMID: 33738574 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-021-03656-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The primary aim of this study to comparison of reusable and disposable flexible ureterorenoscope (fURS) efficiency in lower pole renal stone disease management. In addition, the secondary goal of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting stone-free rates (SFR) in lower pole stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective case-control study utilizing data from 122 consecutive ureteroscopic cases. The patients were divided into two groups according to the ureterorenoscope employed in the surgical intervention as disposable fURS (Group1, n:52) and reusable fURS (Group 2, n:70). Demographic characteristics, stone size, infundibulopelvic angle (IPA), SFR, hospitalization time, intraoperative complication rate (CR), operative time, preoperative or postoperative JJ stenting, and postoperative CR were analyzed. RESULTS There was no statistical difference between the demographic and renal stone-related data between the groups. Likewise, no difference is observed in term of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes such as fluoroscopy time, CR, and hospitalization time between the groups. Although SFR was higher in the disposable fURS group, there was no difference statistically. However, the operative time was longer in reusable fURS Group (47.02 ± 9.91 min in Group 1, and it was 57.97 ± 14.28 in Group 2) (p: 0.001). The multivariate regression analysis result to evaluate the factors of effect to operative time; the use of disposable fURS was associated with a 10.95-min decrease in procedure duration (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Disposable fURS and reusable fURS have similar clinical efficiency and complication rates in the treatment of lower calyceal stones with RIRS. Nevertheless, disposable fURS is a useful treatment option for increased stone volume due to the advantages such as shorter operative time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Emre Göger
- Department of Urology, Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Serkan Özkent
- Department of Urology, Konya Education and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, Ayanbey quarter, Yeni Meram Street, Number: 97, 42090, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Muzaffer Tansel Kılınç
- Department of Urology, Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Hakan Hakkı Taşkapu
- Department of Urology, Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Esra Göger
- Department of Anesthesia, Konya Education and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Arif Aydın
- Department of Urology, Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Giray Sönmez
- Department of Urology, Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Giray Karalezli
- Department of Urology, Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
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Jongjitaree K, Subpayakorn C, Taweemonkongsap T, Leewansangtong S, Srinualnad S, Chotikawanich E. The effect of laser fiber on the damage of the working channel of a flexible ureteroscope. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05605. [PMID: 33299936 PMCID: PMC7702009 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Flexible ureteroscopy involves expensive equipment that is expensive to repair. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cleavage by various tools on the laser fiber tip and to determine the extent of damage incurred to the laser passing through the working channel and firing at different degrees of deflection. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated the effect of cleavage on Lumenis Slimline reusable fibers (272 and 365 μm) as performed by four cleavage tools: a scribe pen, a surgical blade, suture scissors, and ceramic scissors. Following cleavage, we recorded the pattern of light dispersion and power output. The laser fibers passed through the working channel at various. RESULTS The ceramic scissors provided the best pattern of light dispersion and the highest power output. The suture scissors provided unacceptable levels of light dispersion. The 272 μm fiber was able to pass through the working channel at 30 and 45 degrees of deflection. The 365 μm laser fiber was only able to pass through the working channel at 30 degrees of deflection. There was no breakage of the laser fiber at any of the degrees of deflection evaluated. CONCLUSIONS Analysis showed that the ceramic scissors were the best tool for cleaving Lumenis Slimline reusable fibers and that suture scissors were unacceptable. We also found that the deflection angle that causes damage to the working channel by laser insertion is dependent on both the size of the laser fiber and the degree of bending. Firing the laser during scope deflection could be performed safely at any degree of deflection, even with a high laser power of 40 W for a duration of 30 s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kantima Jongjitaree
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chaiyan Subpayakorn
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tawatchai Taweemonkongsap
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sunai Leewansangtong
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sittiporn Srinualnad
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ekkarin Chotikawanich
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Lildal SK, Andreassen KH, Baard J, Brehmer M, Bultitude M, Eriksson Y, Ghani KR, Jung H, Kamphuis G, Kronenberg P, Turney B, Traxer O, Ulvik Ø, Osther PJS. Consultation on kidney stones, Copenhagen 2019: aspects of intracorporeal lithotripsy in flexible ureterorenoscopy. World J Urol 2020; 39:1673-1682. [PMID: 33067728 PMCID: PMC8217045 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-020-03481-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To summarize current knowledge on intracorporeal laser lithotripsy in flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS), regarding basics of laser lithotripsy, technical aspects, stone clearance, lithotripsy strategies, laser technologies, endoscopes, and safety. Methods A scoping review approach was applied to search literature in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Consensus was reached through discussions at the Consultation on Kidney Stones held in September 2019 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Results and conclusions Lasers are widely used for lithotripsy during fURS. The Holmium laser is still the predominant technology, and specific settings for dusting and fragmenting have evolved, which has expanded the role of fURS in stone management. Pulse modulation can increase stone ablation efficacy, possibly by minimizing stone retropulsion. Thulium fibre laser was recently introduced, and this technology may improve laser lithotripsy efficiency. Small fibres give better irrigation, accessibility, and efficiency. To achieve optimal results, laser settings should be adjusted for the individual stone. There is no consensus whether the fragmentation and basketing strategy is preferable to the dusting strategy for increasing stone-free rate. On the contrary, different stone scenarios call for different lithotripsy approaches. Furthermore, for large stone burdens, all laser settings and lithotripsy strategies must be applied to achieve optimal results. Technology for removing dust from the kidney should be in focus in future research and development. Safety concerns about fURS laser lithotripsy include high intrarenal pressures and temperatures, and measures to reduce both those aspects must be taken to avoid complications. Technology to control these parameters should be targeted in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim Hovgaard Andreassen
- Department of Urology, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joyce Baard
- Department of Urology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne Brehmer
- Department of Surgery and Urology, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew Bultitude
- Urology Centre and Stone Unit, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ylva Eriksson
- Department of Surgery and Urology, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Khurshid R Ghani
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Helene Jung
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Center, Lillebaelt Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Guido Kamphuis
- Department of Urology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Kronenberg
- Department of Urology, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ben Turney
- Department of Urology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Øyvind Ulvik
- Department of Urology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Palle Jörn Sloth Osther
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Center, Lillebaelt Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark.
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Faure A, Boissier R. Optimal settings for the Holmium: YAG laser in pediatric endourology: Tips and tricks. J Pediatr Urol 2020; 16:244-250. [PMID: 32224064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To the best of our knowledge, no pediatric paper has been published regarding specifically how to set the Holmium:YAG laser for multiple urologic applications. OBJECTIVE To provide insight into the laser parameters for pediatric applications. STUDY DESIGN We describe the principle and the settings of the laser. RESULTS The Holmium:YAG laser can produce four different biological effects: (1) fragmentation of stones in small fragments that can be retrieved with grasping instruments, thereby increasing the immediate stone-free outcome. For fragmentation lithotripsy, the laser has to be set with a high energy, low frequency and short pulse duration; (2) dusting which produces fine dust that can spontaneously evacuate, avoiding the use of basket retrieval. The dusting setting requires low energy, high frequency and long pulse duration; (3) incision of posterior urethral valves or ureterocele when all settings are maximized: high energy, high frequency and long pulse duration; (4) coagulation of urothelial tumors using high frequency, long pulse duration and slightly lower energy than required for incision. DISCUSSION Both dusting by painting and fragmentation with retrieval for ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy are effective. Although dusting tends to be associated with shorter operative times and a lower risk of ureteral trauma, this approach has a potential risk of recurrent stone formation from dust failing to pass. In contrast, fragmentation with extraction may provide for a more immediate postoperative stone-free result. Altering the pulse energy, frequency, width and modulation can help to optimize lithotripsy efficiency. Lower pulse energy settings result in smaller fragments, less retropulsion and reduce fiber tip degradation. A shallow depth of penetration in water and tissue allows precise energy application and provides a margin of safety. CONCLUSION An understanding of Ho-YAG laser settings will permit the pediatric surgeon to make a better use of the device for different urological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Faure
- Aix-Marseille Université, APHM, CHU Hopital La Timone Enfant, Paediatric Surgery Department, 13385, Marseille, France.
| | - Romain Boissier
- Aix-Marseille Université, APHM, CHU Hopital La Conception, Urology Department, 13005, Marseille, France
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Ozimek T, Cordes J, Gilbert N, Hupe MC, Wiessmeyer JR, Schneider MH, Merseburger AS, Kramer MW. Laser fibre, rather than the stone, may harm the scope: retrospective monocentric analysis of 26 pre- and intraoperative factors of flexible ureteroscope (fURS) damage. World J Urol 2019; 38:2035-2040. [PMID: 31659464 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-019-02988-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The increasing number of flexible ureteroscopy procedures, the fragility of devices and their repair costs are a burden for urological departments worldwide. The objective was to investigate the impact of 26 pre- and intraoperative factors on reusable flexible ureteroscope (fURS) damage. METHODS All procedures were conducted with reusable fURS: Karl Storz Flex-X2 or Olympus URF-V. Statistical analysis was performed in RStudio (1.0.136) with Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U tests (MWU). RESULTS In total, 416 flexible ureteroscopies, performed between September 2013 and June 2017, were analysed. 283 (68.03%) of these were for kidney stone surgery, and 133 (31.97%) for diagnostic purposes. In total, 39 (9.38%) devices were postoperatively deemed defective. The application of reusable laser fibre through fURS was more common in cases with documented defects [17/39 (43.59%) vs. 102/377 (27.06%), p = 0.047]. Other factors such as application of nitinol basket, biopsy via fURS, insertion of access sheath (UAS), as well as stone burden [median kidney stone maximal diameter: 6 mm (min 2.0; max 30.0) vs. 6 mm (min 1.0 vs. max 30.0)] showed no influence on fURS damage rate (p > 0.05). The infundibulopelvic angle (IPA) was steeper in cases with fURS damage as compared to cases without damage [median 44.0° (min 20.0; max 81.0) vs. 55.0 (min 7.0; max 122.0), p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS Application of laser fibre via fURS can be considered as a risk factor of fURS damage. Stone burden, as well as the usage of not-sharp ended devices as nitinol baskets or forceps, is primarily not responsible for fURS damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Ozimek
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jens Cordes
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nils Gilbert
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marie C Hupe
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Judith R Wiessmeyer
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Michael H Schneider
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Axel S Merseburger
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mario Wolfgang Kramer
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany.
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Hosny K, Clark J, Srirangam SJ. Handling and protecting your flexible ureteroscope: how to maximise scope usage. Transl Androl Urol 2019; 8:S426-S435. [PMID: 31656748 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.07.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Flexible ureteroscopy is an important therapeutic and diagnostic procedure and has seen rapid rise in its utilisation in recent years. There have been numerous developments in flexible ureteroscope (fURS) technology but scope fragility, and the associated high maintenance costs, remains a concern. A comprehensive Medline search for related publications from the last 20 years was undertaken to identify common causes of fURS damage and ascertain practices to minimise this. Flexible ureteroscopy can be due to intraoperative causes (loss of the deflection mechanism, damage to the working channel due and fibreoptic bundle injury) and non-operative damage which occur during cleaning, sterilisation and handling of the fURS. The review summarises the available literature to help highlight common mechanisms of scope damage, and outlines evidence-based measures to reduce the risk of damage and maximise durability. Scope fragility remains a problem with significant associated cost implications. In a culture of rising fURS use and reducing re-imbursement for endourologists, prolonging the longevity of the fURS is imperative for maintaining profitability. There are simple and inexpensive practices which can be immediately adopted to maximise fURS use and reduce the need for repairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Hosny
- Department of Urology, Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Blackburn BB2 3HH, UK
| | - Jennifer Clark
- Department of Urology, Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Blackburn BB2 3HH, UK
| | - Shalom J Srirangam
- Department of Urology, Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Blackburn BB2 3HH, UK
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