Decreasing the cost of flexible ureterorenoscopic procedures
Bhaskar K Somani1, A Robertson, Slawomir G Kata
1Department of Urology, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK. bhaskarsomani@yahoo.com
Objective:
To treat calculus disease, perform diagnostic procedures, for endoscopic management of upper tract tumours and in selected cases for laser guided endopyelotomy there is an increase in the use of Flexible Ureterorenoscopy (FURS).
Methods:
We wanted to prospectively audit the cost of flexible ureterorenoscopic procedures undertaken in our department between March 2009 and March 2010.
Results:
Based on our business model, the cost of diagnostic FURS is £131 (equivalent to €157 or $196.50), FURS and lasertripsy for stones is between £296 and £429 (€355-€515 or $444-$644), and that for endoscopic management of upper tract transitional cell carcinomas is between £148 and £225 (€178-€270 or $222-$338).
Conclusion:
Our model shows a cost-efficient way of performing FURS procedures. As the cost of FURS comes down, more trainees will build hands-on experience in these procedures.
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