Study: EndoSheath in Flexible Cystoscopy Safe and Well-Tolerated

What is it about?

The study assessed the tolerability and safety of EndoSheath-assisted flexible cystoscopy (eFC) in 933 adult patients over 26 months. The EndoSheath, a disposable sheath, reduces cystoscope turnaround and waiting times by eliminating the need for sterilization. Of the 1091 eFCs evaluated, most patients reported no or mild discomfort, with severe discomfort being rare. The overall post-eFC urinary tract infection (UTI) rate was 13.3%, higher in females and those aged ≥65 years. No cases of urosepsis were reported. The study concludes that eFC is a well-tolerated, safe procedure with potential time and cost savings.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This research is important because it evaluates the safety and tolerability of EndoSheath-assisted flexible cystoscopy (eFC), a procedure that has the potential to significantly improve efficiency in urology departments. By using disposable sheaths, eFC can reduce cystoscope turnaround times, decrease patient waiting times, and lower costs associated with complicated sterilization processes. This large-scale, prospective study provides real-world evidence on the practicality and patient experience of eFC, which could inform clinical decision-making and potentially lead to wider adoption of this technique in urological practice. Key Takeaways: 1. Patient Comfort: The study demonstrates that eFC is generally well-tolerated, with 81.4% of procedures causing no or mild discomfort, and only 3.1% ranked as causing severe discomfort. 2. Safety Profile: The overall post-eFC urinary tract infection (UTI) rate was 13.3%, with higher rates observed in females and older patients (≥65 years). Importantly, no cases of urosepsis were reported, indicating a favorable safety profile for the procedure. 3. Demographic Insights: The study provides valuable data on how eFC is tolerated across different age groups and genders, showing that older patients (≥65 years) generally reported less discomfort than younger patients, with no significant differences between sexes.