Decreasing the Cost of Flexible Ureterorenoscopic Procedures

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 pound (equivalent to (sic)157 or $196.50), FURS and lasertripsy for stones is between 296 pound and 429 pound ((sic)355-(sic)515 or $444-$644), and that for endoscopic management of upper tract transitional cell carcinomas is between 148 pound and 225 pound ((sic)178-(sic)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. UROLOGY 78: 528-530, 2011. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc.