Effects of repeated use of disposable FURS on efficiency, safety and cost analysis

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to examine cost analysis and evaluate the results of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) performed with reusable and disposable flexible ureteroscope (FURS) devices in our clinic. In total, we included 96 patients who underwent RIRS surgery for kidney stones with reusable FURS (n = 49) and disposable FURS (n = 47). There were noted preoperative demographic data and stone characteristics of the patients. Also, operation time, fluoroscopy time, hospitalization time, urethral catheter removal time, return to work time, complication rates and cost per procedure were collected and analyzed. There were no significant differences between each groups in terms of demographic characteristics of retrospectively analyzed the data of 96 patients. In addition, the comparison made in terms of operative and postoperative results in both groups was similar. We determined significant difference for mean cost per case compared two groups. There were cost per case $ 293,87 in group 1 and $ 191,48 in group 2. We determined that the repeated use of disposable FURS compared in terms of cost analysis is a safe, effective and low cost method without increasing the infection frequency.