Evaluation of overall costs of currently available small flexible ureteroscopes

To perform a meta-analysis of the currently available data regarding the durability of flexible ureteroscopes to establish cost estimates for the purchase and use of five currently available, smaller than 9F, ureteroscopes. Healthcare costs have become increasingly germane to the determination of disease management strategies. Improved ureteroscope technology has expanded the role of these instruments. However, the initial purchase costs and high maintenance costs have become problematic with these fragile instruments.

Ureteroscope durability data on the Storz 11274AA, Olympus URF-P3, Wolf 7325.172, ACMI AUR-7, and ACMI DUR-8 were collected from three prior studies. Combining the durability data and cost data regarding the initial purchase price and maintenance costs of these instruments, we calculated the overall costs associated with the use of each of the ureteroscopes for 25, 50, 75, and 100 cases during the first year (warranties included) and with subsequent use.

The variability in the costs associated with the use of the currently available smaller than 9F ureteroscopes was significant. The initial instrument purchase price, durability, repair costs, and associated warranties all contributed to large discrepancies in the cost of performing ureteroscopy. In this model, during the first year of ownership, the projected cost of performing 100 ureteroscopic cases varied by a difference of 95% depending on the ureteroscope used.

Physicians and institutions that perform ureteroscopy should strongly consider the purchase price, durability, repair cost, and associated warranties before the purchase of small flexible ureteroscopes.