Are single-use flexible cystoscopes environmentally sustainable? A lifecycle analysis

Abstract

Objective: Single-use flexible cystoscopes provide a safe and cost-effective evolution to current practice. However, the environmental impact of single-use devices needs to be considered in a healthcare system that is being increasingly scrutinised for its carbon footprint. We performed a single-centre simplified lifecycle analysis to compare the carbon footprint of the single-use Ambu® aScope™ 4 Cysto System (Ambu®) with the reusable Olympus CYF-VH flexible video-cystoscope (Olympus). Methods: Manufacturing, transportation and waste costs were calculated for the Ambu® cystoscope. Manufacturing costs incorporating the average lifecycle of the reusable cystoscope was included in the carbon footprint calculation for the Olympus reusable cystoscope as were waste costs and re-processing costs using the Soluscope 3 automatic endoscope re-processor that is used in our centre. Results: Results demonstrate that Ambu® cystoscopes are a carbon-friendly alternative to reusable Olympus cystoscopes, with a 36% lower carbon footprint. The carbon footprint of the Ambu® scope is 1.43 kg CO2 compared with 2.22 kg CO2 for the reusable Olympus cystoscope. These results may vary from centre to centre depending on the cystoscope re-processor used. Conclusion: The Ambu® single-use flexible cystoscopes provide a carbon-friendly alternative to Olympus CYF-VH reusable cystoscopes. Level of evidence: IV