OBJECTIVES: Flexible cystoscopy is a common procedure that is performed to diagnose and treat lower urinary tract conditions. Single-use cystoscopes have been introduced to eliminate time-consuming reprocessing, costly repairs, and potential cross-contamination that occur between cystoscopies with reusable scopes. We aimed to compare the hands-on labor time differences between flexible reusable cystoscopes versus single-use cystoscopes at a large urology Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC).

METHODS: Procedures were shadowed between February 1-7 and March 22-24, 2021, and timestamps were collected for the following: preparation of the cystoscope and tray (Reusable, RU=31, Single-use, SU=20), pre-cleaning of reusable cystoscopes (RU=20), and tray breakdown and disposal of single-use cystoscopes (RU=20, SU=20). Time for reprocessing of reusable cystoscopes was measured for a subset of scopes (RU=4). Timestamps for each aforementioned step were averaged, then summed, to arrive at a total hands-on time required for reusable and single-use cystoscopes. T-tests were calculated to compare the differences between each cohort.

RESULTS: Single-use cystoscopes required less hands-on time for tray preparation (173.7s vs. 96.8s; p<0.001), cystoscope breakdown (120.1s vs. 45.3s; p<0.001) and reprocessing (421.8s vs 0.0s; p=0.003). The total average hands-on time needed for reusable flexible cystoscope preparation, breakdown of the tray and pre-cleaning of the cystoscope and reprocessing was 80.1% more than the total average hands-on time needed for single-use cystoscopes (715.6s vs. 142.1s).

CONCLUSIONS: Single-use cystoscopes significantly reduced hands-on labor time required for cystoscope preparation and breakdown compared to reusable cystoscopes. Through this finding, the facility was able to minimize patient wait times, decrease total time related to reprocessing, and freed up time for nursing staff by eliminating the need to transport scopes. By improving such workflow efficiencies, facilities may see in increase in patient throughput and total annual procedure volumes.