Institutional single-center cost-opportunity analysis of disposable vs. reusable cystoscopes in a referral oncology center
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cystoscopy is a high-frequency endoscopic procedure requiring sustainable and evidence-based device management strategies. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This institutional cost-opportunity analysis compared disposable and reusable cystoscope devices in a high-volume oncology center. Retrospective real-world data on disposable use were combined with theoretical modeling for reusable systems under three operational scenarios: disposable, reusable with standard sterilization, and reusable with urgent sterilization, each analyzed in optimized and maximal-cost conditions. RESULTS: Disposable cystoscopes cost €188.75 per procedure, halved procedural time (15 vs. 30 minutes), and ensured workflow continuity. Reusable systems were economically sustainable only under optimized reprocessing (two cystoscopes per cycle, €180.88 per procedure). Under urgent or single-scope sterilization, per-procedure costs increased to €198.88, with annual excesses of up to €79,820.88 compared to disposable systems. Disposable devices minimized downtime and logistical complexity, particularly in high-demand settings. CONCLUSIONS: Reusable cystoscopes achieve economic sustainability only when supported by standardized, high-efficiency workflows, while disposables provide flexibility and reliability in routine and urgent care. Despite its single-center, retrospective design, this framework provides transferable insights for healthcare institutions aiming to align cost management, service quality, and sustainability in cystoscopic practice. Future multicentric studies are warranted to validate these findings across diverse organizational settings.
Authors: Gianpaolo Franzoso, Giorgia Zorzetto, Susy Dal Bello, Alessandro Giuriola, Agnese Casarin, Antonella Stefàno, Maria Zanandrea, Stefania Zanon, Lisa Rigon, Angelo Porreca, Antonio Amodeo, Marina Coppola
Language: English
Subfield: Microbiology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4415660606