FAQ

As a urologist, staff member, or patient seeking information on cystoscopy procedures, we understand that you have questions about the benefits and considerations of switching to single-use, portable cystoscopy. This comprehensive FAQ guide is designed to provide you with clear insights into this innovative approach, helping you make informed decisions that prioritize patient safety, convenience, efficiency, and overall clinic operations.

For Urologists

Opting for a sterile, single-use, portable cystoscope or disposable cystoscope brings several benefits such as minimized cross-contamination risks2, enhanced patient safety, and improved convenience and time efficiency for healthcare providers. There is no need for reprocessing, servicing, or substantial capital investment upfront9, as every procedure uses a new, sterile cystoscope that can be effortlessly moved and utilized across various clinical environments.5
Employing sterile, single-use cystoscopes eradicates the requirement for reprocessing, mitigating infection risks tied to inadequate sterilization or disinfection (human error or equipment failure)2,9. Furthermore, due to numerous reprocessing steps, the expenses and resources needed for reprocessing such as heavy-duty cleaning solutions, maintenance, and downtime are removed from the cost per procedure. Patient satisfaction and safety are augmented through minimizing cross-contamination risks and eliminating the need for chemical usage on the device prior to use.3,5
Numerous contemporary single-use instruments provide image sharpness and resolution on par with their reusable counterparts.1 Each provider must clinically evaluate the specific model’s image performance before transitioning.
Versatility, cost, and efficiency. Indeed, single-use cystoscopes are crafted for adaptability and can be employed across a spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic urological procedures.5 Single-use cystoscopes facilitate diagnostic cystoscopies and interventions, i.e., stent removals, therapeutic agent injections, and difficult catheter placement. They cost less than a full setup of reusable scopes and are more efficient since they are readily available with a convenient shelf life, and cystoscopies can be performed anywhere (clinic, OR, inpatient wards, and ERs).5,7,8
No. The urologist must learn how to attach and detach the handle/monitor from the disposable scope and hook up the irrigation system for Uroviu systems. Depending on the brand, monitors will need additional connections that are in general, user-friendly and intuitive to use.
Single-use cystoscopes are cost-effective since reprocessing is not needed and there are no maintenance expenses.9 Moreover, some manufacturers design their scopes with a focus on reducing waste. Sterile, single-use cystoscopes often decrease the overall carbon footprint on a per-case basis.10,11,12
Although platforms like Ambu are reputable products, transitioning to the UroViu single-use portable platform may have benefits such as superior image quality, enhanced portability, female-optimized cystoscopes, integrated accessories, improved ergonomics, and decreased disposable cystoscope waste.


With UroViu, all you need is the Uroviu system,a sterile saline bag, and tubing. There is no need to transport monitors or cables. Ensure that you research and assess diverse options to identify which device best satisfies your practice’s needs.

You can obtain more information about single-use cystoscopes from medical device manufacturers, industry conferences, online medical forums, and professional urological organizations. Learn more about the UroViu platform at https://uroviu.com/.

For Staff

Transitioning to disposable cystoscopy brings numerous advantages to any urological practice, such as elevating patient safety by minimizing infection risks2,6,8,9, streamlining operations by removing reprocessing steps9, offering room-to-room portability5,8, lessening environmental impact10,11,12, and potentially offering instant cost benefits.4,8,9
Employing disposable cystoscopes, which are sterile and designed for a single use, mitigates infection risks, cross-contamination, and chemical exposure by circumventing the challenges of inadequately reprocessed reusable scopes, thereby bolstering patient safety and minimizing healthcare-associated infections12
The deployment of sterile single-use cystoscopes sidesteps expensive reprocessing operations, involving cleaning solutions, sterile supplies, testing apparatus, upkeep, and labor. Studies indicate that the per-use cost with reusable cystoscopes can exceed that of sterile, single-use variants.8,9
Single-use cystoscopes eliminate the need for time-consuming reprocessing steps before and after each procedure. This results in faster turnaround times between patients, reducing patient wait times and allowing for a more streamlined workflow in your clinic.5,9 Disposable cystoscopes also expand the procedure capability beyond the designated procedure room.5 Traditional reusable cystoscopy procedures are limited to a single room due to capital equipment mobility limitations. Single-use cystoscopes can be used in any room, expanding the procedure capacity of an office or hospital.5,8
Absolutely. Single-use cystoscopes are paramount in infection control, guaranteeing a sterile device per patient, which is crucial in upholding rigorous care standards, minimizing infection risks, and potentially obviating the need for training and quality control related to reusable scope reprocessing.2,6
When choosing single-use cystoscopes, consider factors such as image quality, portability, ergonomic design and ease of set-up, compatibility with existing accessories, equipment, and cost-effectiveness. Ensure that the device offers the necessary features for providers to conduct accurate diagnostics and therapeutic procedures effectively.
Manufacturers typically provide training and support for using their products. This can include instructional materials, videos, and hands-on training sessions. It’s important to ensure that your clinical staff is comfortable and confident in handling and using the chosen single-use cystoscope.
Yes, many single-use cystoscopy platforms are designed to accommodate various urological procedures needs, with procedure optimized scopes and accessories, including diagnostic cystoscopies, stent removal, and therapeutic agent injection. However, it is crucial to verify the scope’s intended use and capabilities with the manufacturer. UroViu offers a line of single-use, portable cystoscopes tailored for diagnostic, male vs female cystoscopy, injection of therapeutic scopes, and other applications. Visit https://uroviu.com/ for more information.
For more information about single-use, portable cystoscopes, you can reach out to reputable medical device manufacturers, attend industry conferences, consult with other urology clinics that have made the switch, and refer to professional urological organizations’ resources. Manufacturer representatives can also provide detailed product specifications and conduct demonstrations to help you make an informed decision.

For Patients

A cystoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a urologist to examine the inside of your bladder and urethra using a thin, flexible tube called a cystoscope. This procedure helps urologists perform bladder examinations and urethra examinations as well as diagnose and treat various urinary tract conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTI), bladder cancer, hematuria (blood in the urine), bladder stones, and tumors.
A single-use cystoscope is a type of cystoscope that is designed for one-time use and is easily transportable unlike reusable cystoscopes which are used, reprocessed, and used again and again. It offers the advantage of being sterile for each patient, reducing the risk of infection, cross-contamination and reprocessing chemical exposure.2,6 This type of cystoscope is particularly appealing for its convenience and safety benefits, especially for patients requiring repeat cystoscopies.
The procedure itself is similar whether a single-use or traditional cystoscope is used. Both involve the insertion of a thin tube into the urinary tract. The key difference is that with a single-use cystoscope, the scope is brand new and sterile for your procedure, which may reduce the risk of potential infections associated with inadequate cleaning of reusable scopes.8
Modern advancements in medical technology have led to high-quality imaging in single-use cystoscopes. While there may be variations between different models, many single-use devices offer clear and detailed images that are comparable to those obtained with traditional scopes.
Yes, single-use cystoscopes are designed to be as effective as traditional reusable scopes in terms of diagnostic accuracy and treatment capabilities. They are created with the same goal of providing urologists with clear visualization and accurate information about your urinary tract health.1
For more information about single-use, portable cystoscopes, you can ask your urologist directly or research reputable medical sources online. You may also visit UroViu.com. Feel free to inquire about the benefits and limitations of this option during your consultation to make an informed decision about your procedure.
References
  1. Z Kornberg, E Shkolyar, TJ Lee, JC Liao. Initial Clinical Experience of a High-Definition Single-Use Flexible Cystoscope. EUS 2023 Poster
  2. Geldmaker LE, Baird BA, Lyon TD, Regele EJ, Wajswol EJ, Pathak RA, Petrou SP, Haehn DA, Gajarawala NM, Ball CT, Broderick GA, Thiel DD. Conversion to Disposable Cystoscopes Decreased Post-procedure Encounters and Infections Compared to Reusable Cystoscopes. Urol Pract. 2023 Jul;10(4):312-317. doi: 10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000410. Epub 2023 May 25. PMID: 37228224.
  3. Seyam, R.M., Zeitouni, O.M., Alsibai, T.M. et al. The grasper-integrated disposable flexible cystoscope is comparable to the reusable, flexible cystoscope for the detection of bladder cancer. Sci Rep 10, 13495 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-70424-0
  4. McGill JJ, Schaeffer AJ, Gonzalez CM. Durability of flexible cystoscopes in the outpatient setting. Urology. 2013 May;81(5):932-7. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2013.01.029. Epub 2013 Mar 13. PMID: 23490525.
  5. Kenigsberg AP, Gold S, Grant L, Lotan Y. The Economics of Cystoscopy: A Microcost Analysis. Urology. 2021 Nov;157:29-34. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.05.008. Epub 2021 May 16. PMID: 34010677.
  6. Legemate JD, Kamphuis GM, Freund JE, Baard J, Oussoren HW, Spijkerman IJB, de la Rosette JJMCH. Pre-Use Ureteroscope Contamination after High Level Disinfection: Reprocessing Effectiveness and the Relation with Cumulative Ureteroscope Use. J Urol. 2019 Jun;201(6):1144-1151. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000000108. PMID: 30707130.
  7. Assmus MA, Krambeck AE, Lee MS, Agarwal DK, Mellon M, Rivera ME, Large T. Cost-Effectiveness of 90-day Single-use Flexible Cystoscope Trial: Single Center Micro-Costing Analysis and User Satisfaction. Urology. 2022 Sep;167:61-66. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.05.039. Epub 2022 Jun 28. PMID: 35772484.
  8. Su ZT, Huang MM, Matlaga BR, Hutfless S, Koo K. A micro-costing analysis of outpatient flexible cystoscopy: implications for adoption of single-use flexible cystoscopes. World J Urol. 2021 Nov;39(11):4275-4281. doi: 10.1007/s00345-021-03724-3. Epub 2021 May 21. PMID: 34019137.
  9. Young JA, Garden EB, Al-Alao O, Deoraj D, Small AC, Hruby G, Grotas AB, Palese MA. Disposable versus Reusable Cystoscopes: A Micro-Costing Value Analysis in High-Volume and Low-Volume Urology Practices. Urol Pract. 2021 Jul;8(4):466-471. doi: 10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000236. Epub 2021 Apr 16. PMID: 37145468.
  10. Hogan D, Rauf H, Kinnear N, Hennessey DB. The Carbon Footprint of Single-Use Flexible Cystoscopes Compared with Reusable Cystoscopes. J Endourol. 2022 Nov;36(11):1460-1464. doi: 10.1089/end.2021.0891. Epub 2022 Jun 13. PMID: 35607858.
  11. Baboudjian M, Pradere B, Martin N, Gondran-Tellier B, Angerri O, Boucheron T, Bastide C, Emiliani E, Misrai V, Breda A, Lechevallier E. Life Cycle Assessment of Reusable and Disposable Cystoscopes: A Path to Greener Urological Procedures. Eur Urol Focus. 2023 Jul;9(4):681-687. doi: 10.1016/j.euf.2022.12.006. Epub 2022 Dec 20. PMID: 36543725.
  12. Boucheron T, Lechevallier E, Gondran-Tellier B, Michel F, Bastide C, Martin N, Baboudjian M. Cost and Environmental Impact of Disposable Flexible Cystoscopes Compared to Reusable Devices. J Endourol. 2022 Oct;36(10):1317-1321. doi: 10.1089/end.2022.0201. Epub 2022 Jun 29. PMID: 35703325.

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