The application of a single-use fiberoptic flexible ureteroscope for the management of upper urinary calculi.

Abstract

To evaluate the clinical outcomes with a Chinese single-use fiberoptic flexible ureteroscope (YouCare Tech) from a prospective database. A prospective study was conducted in a single center in China between January 2016 and October 2017. All consecutive patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopy performed by YouCare flexible ureteroscope were analyzed. Patients' demographics, clinical characteristics, intraoperative parameters, postoperative complications, and stone-free rate were evaluated and recorded. Stone-free status was defined as no visible stones or clinically insignificant residual stones < 2mm on a postoperative image study. A total of 684 procedures were performed for 653 patients (31 patients had bilateral stones). A double J stent had been previously placed in 431 patients. The location of the calculi was upper calyx, middle calyx, lower calyx, and renal pelvis and proximal ureter in 74, 101, 211, 115, and 183 patients, respectively. The median operative time was 52min. The postoperative stone-free rate for the first 2weeks after surgery was 78.5%, which increased to 91.1% at the first month. The overall stone-free rate was 95.2%. The complication rate was minor and short-term, such as gross hematuria or flank pain. YouCare flexible ureteroscope can be considered effective and safe in the treatment of both upper ureteral and renal stones in selected patients. Further evaluation of comparison with other FURS's surgical outcomes and cost-effectiveness analysis will help to present the best utility of this single-use FURS in clinical practice.