Improving flexible ureterorenoscope durability up to 100 procedures.

Abstract Background and Purpose: Controversy exists in the literature regarding flexible ureterorenoscopy (F-URS) durability, with a variable expected number of uses from a new F-URS. In this study, a tertiary center experience with the use of two consecutive F-URS is reported and suggestions as to how to improve durability further are made. Materials and Methods: All F-URS performed in the same tertiary care center between July 2009 and February 2011, with two new instruments Flex-X, were reviewed retrospectively. All renal pathology were included. Ureteral cases were excluded. A 9.5F semirigid ureteroscope was always used at the start for a ureteral optical predilation and to explore the upper urinary tract for possible lithotripsy/laser ablation/biopsy. The F-URS was introduced sequentially to explore the remaining calices. Data pertaining to the procedure were collected. The method of sterilization was complete immersion with Cidex®. Results: The instruments were substituted after 113 and 102 procedur...