The grasper-integrated disposable flexible cystoscope is comparable to the reusable, flexible cystoscope for the detection of bladder cancer.

Flexible cystoscopy under local anaesthesia is standard for the surveillance of bladder cancer. Frequently, several reusable cystoscopes fail to reprocess. With the new grasper incorporated single-use cystoscope for retrieval of ureteric stents, we explored the feasibility of using it off-label for diagnosis and the detection of bladder cancer. Consecutive diagnostic flexible cystoscopies between Mar 2016 and Nov 2018 were reviewed comparing the reusable versus the disposable cystoscopes. A total of 390 patients underwent 1211 cystoscopies. Median age was 61.5 years (SD 14.2, 18.8-91.4), males 331 (84.9%) and females 59 (15.1%). Indication for cystoscopy was prior malignancy in 1183 procedures (97.7%), haematuria 19 (1.6%) or bladder mass 7 (0.6%). There were 608 reusable and 603 disposable cystoscopies. There was no significant difference between groups at baseline in age, sex, BMI, smoking status, or prior tumor risk category. There was no significant difference in positive findings (123/608, 20.2% vs 111/603, 18.4%, p = 0.425) or cancer detection rates (95/608, 15.6% vs 88/603, 14.4%, p 0.574) among the two groups, respectively. We conclude that the disposable grasper integrated cystoscope is comparable to reusable cystoscope in the detection of bladder cancer.

[The operative cystoscope with joystick control mechanism of flexible tools inserted into the urinary bladder and the ureter].

The authors developed an operative cystoscope with joystick control mechanism of ureter catheters and other flexible tools. This construction allowed control of flexible tools inserted into the bladder and the ureter in various directions, thus providing a necessary observation of the operative field at endoscopic operations on the bladder and ureter. This was one of the factors, which determined the operation success.

[Application of a device for evacuation of fragments of biological tissue and uroliths in endoscopic operations].

The proposed evacuator allows prevention of regurgitation of fragments of resected tissue of destructed bladder stones from the lower cavity of the device to the upper one, and then to the urinary bladder and, thus, it reduces loss of the biological material fragment for morphological investigation as well as the bladder stones fragments for an analysis of their chemical composition and structure, more effectively and quicklywash off the urinary bladder during endoscopic operations.

Flexible cystoscopy: a revolution in urological practice.

Flexible cystoscopy has revolutionized the field of diagnostic urology. It can be done under local anaesthesia in the outpatient setting and is thus a highly useful tool. Its role in therapeutic urology is more limited but it still has a place in the management of certain conditions.

Where next for the endoscope?

The concept of examining the body's interior and its organs dates back to ancient times. The roots of modern endoscopy lie in early nineteenth century Europe, and the intervening centuries have seen a steady evolution of devices and techniques. Nowadays, a wide variety of urinary tract disorders are successfully managed in a minimally invasive manner thanks to the endoscope and related technologies. Distal-sensor, 'digital', endoscopes have the potential to revolutionize the field, and change the way in which we use and think about endoscopy. Virtual endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and a range of other techniques derived from physics and molecular biology all promise great improvements in visualization of the urinary tract and other urologic structures. Ultimately, the continued improvement of these minimally invasive technologies will enhance the quality of care that we can offer our patients.