A holistic approach to flexible ureteroscope longevity

Abstract

Digital flexible ureteroscopy is one of the principal modalities currently used in modern endourology. Nevertheless, flexible ureteroscopes are accompanied by significant purchase and maintenance costs. This makes their use prohibitively expensive for many district general hospitals. Recently, alternatives such as single use ureteroscopes have been introduced in an effort to reduce the cost. We present in this letter our experience in delivering a low-cost endourology service by adopting a holistic approach in educating, handling and maintaining our reusable equipment leading to high numbers of usages without the need for frequent repair. This has allowed for a viable service in our district general hospital with up to 139 uses between repairs.