An Overview of the Advantages of Digital Flexible Ureteroscopes. A Review by Young Academic Urologists Endourology and Urolithiasis Working Party of the European Association of Urology

Abstract

Endoscopic technology is the cream of the crop for the urinary tract endoscopic procedures in our modern era of surgery. The idea of this review was to evaluate different characteristics of fiberoptic (FO), reusable digital (D) and disposable digital flexible ureteroscopes (FUs) and have an understanding of different comparisons in-between. The topics covered in this review comprise the visual characteristics, weight, costs, durability, and maneuverability aspects and size characteristics of different endoscopes. Digital FUs provide various advantages especially in terms of visual quality and durability. The new generation D-FUs also have excellent maneuverability, similar to FO ureteroscopes, but they are larger in size, which in turn can affect morbidity due to increased post-operative stenting and increased complication risk with larger ureteral access sheat and they come with higher costs. Many endourologists may prefer to use these high-tech, sophisticated devices as first line for their flexible ureteroscopy procedures as they provide excellent surgical outcomes. However, due to excellent maneuverability advantages in complicated anatomies, smaller sizes and lower costs, endourologists should always try to keep a FO FU ready for action in their operating rooms.

Keywords

• flexible ureteroscopy
• endourology
• technology