Disposable flexible cystoscopes for removing double J catheter A budget impact analysis

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Health Economics
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Double J catheter removal is a common urological procedure.
• The choice between reusable and single-use cystoscopes impacts healthcare costs.
• CHU de Québec sought to analyze the economic implications of cystoscope selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a budget impact analysis comparing costs of single-use versus reusable flexible digital cystoscopes for double J catheter removal.
• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different cystoscope types in a real-world clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• Cost analysis based on data from 2017-2019 at CHU de Québec.
• Inclusion of purchase, repair, reprocessing, and sterilization costs for reusable cystoscopes.
• Consideration of unit price and platform costs for single-use cystoscopes.

Main Results:

• Average cost per intervention: $148.55 (reusable) vs. $293.38 (single-use).
• Annual cost for 385 removals: $57,191.75 (reusable) vs. $112,951.30 (single-use).
• Single-use cystoscopes incur an additional cost of $144.83 per procedure, totaling $55,760 annually.

Conclusions:

• Single-use flexible digital cystoscopes nearly double the cost per procedure for double J catheter removal at CHU de Québec.
• Higher purchase price of single-use devices is the primary driver of increased costs.
• Potential for reduced cost differential exists if single-use scopes mitigate breakage risks or with future financing models.