Disposable versus reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes: a national survey of UK ENT surgical trainees and a single-centre cost-analysis

Abstract

Background This study primarily assessed ENT surgical trainees’ preferences for the qualities of disposable and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes. Secondary aims included eliciting trainees’ views on ENT surgery and climate change, and creating a single-centre per-use cost analysis for disposable and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes. Methods A cross-sectional study was formulated. An online survey consisting of multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions was distributed nationally. Cost analysis was performed using 2021–2022 data from the host institution. Results Twenty-four trainees responded. Data on disposable fibre-optic nasendoscopes showed no difference in overall satisfaction (p = 0.244). Reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes had a lower cost per use compared with disposable nasendoscopes at 5 years (4.7 per cent reduction) and 10 years (7.1 per cent reduction). Of the trainees, 79.2 per cent were supportive of climate-friendly initiatives within ENT surgery, and 25 per cent felt supported by their departments. Conclusion Trainees’ satisfaction with disposable and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes is similar. Cost analysis favours reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes in the long term at the host institution. Empowering departments and trainees to pursue climate-friendly initiatives should be encouraged.

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“…demonstrated that reusable nasoendoscopes had a clear cost-effectiveness benefit over the single-use ones, and ENT surgeons demonstrated a preference in engaging with more environmentally friendly alternative options. 18…”

“…Jegatheeswaran et al demonstrated that reusable nasoendoscopes had a clear cost-effectiveness benefit over the single-use ones, and ENT surgeons demonstrated a preference in engaging with more environmentally friendly alternative options. 18 The increased use of PPE in response to the Covid-19 pandemic contributed significantly to an increase in the carbon footprint of ENT departments. A single-centre study demonstrated that there was an almost fourfold increase in the use of disposable plastic items in ENT out-patient clinics.…”

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“…compares disposable with reusable nasendoscopes. 6 Although a small study, the authors found that trainees’ overall satisfaction with disposable and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes is comparable. In agreement with other studies, cost analysis favours disposable scopes in the short term and/or in departments with low rates of utilisation, and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes in the long term.…”