Institutional single-center cost-opportunity analysis of disposable vs. reusable cystoscopes in a referral oncology center.

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.