Efficacy of the novel, innovative, single‐use grasper integrated flexible cystoscope for ureteral stent removal: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: We aimed to define the published impact, efficacy, cost-effectiveness and precise role of the Isiris-α device: the world's first sterile, single-use grasper integrated flexible cystoscope (SUGIFC) for ureteral stent removal. Methods: After PROSPERO registration (CRD42021228755), the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were utilized. The search terms "Grasper Integrated Flexible Cystoscope," and "Isiris," within the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched. Results: In this review, a cumulative total experience (10 publications) included 970 "SUGIFC" procedures (755 patients). However, only 366/970 procedures were actually used for "ureteral stent removal," with the remainder being surveillance cystoscopy only (603/970) or foreign body retrieval (1/970). Procedure-related and device failures in planned "removal of ureteral stents," was reported in 8/366 (346 patients) and 1/366 (346 patients), respectively. The cost-benefit utilizing the SUGIFC device is advantageous compared to "in-theatre" stent removals and favours less busy centres where maintenance, repair and replacement costs are more relevant. Other listed benefits include shorter stent indwelling times, shorter procedure duration, lower rates of bacteriuria and urinary tract infections, fewer emergency department visits and lower readmission rates. Technical limitations include the absence of an independent working channel, a narrower visual field and the lack of image universality since the monitor is device-specific. Conclusion:The SUGIFC device needs to be outweighed against local costs and individual health systems. Its application in ambulatory ureteral stent removal may become significant due to the accessibility and convenience that it offers the attending urologist.

The “ins and outs” of the magnetic ureteral stent: A novel innovation in Endourology

“…Although newer single-use disposable ureteral stent-grasping cystoscopic devices are becoming commonplace in modern urological centers, [23] along with a recent description of a self-constructed stent grasper in cases of encrustation, [24] the use of MEDJUS extraction is a rather simplified alternative.…”

“…The proposed annual cost benefit, reported by Kapoor et al in 2020 at a deceased-donor renal transplant center, was approximately $27,360 CAD annually. [5] Although newer single-use disposable ureteral stent-grasping cystoscopic devices are becoming commonplace in modern urological centers, [23] along with a recent description of a self-constructed stent grasper in cases of encrustation, [24] the use of MEDJUS extraction is a rather simplified alternative.…”

Five historical innovations that have shaped modern urological surgery

“…A notable example of such progress is the development of single-use flexible cystoscopes, which excel in terms of portability and simplifying the process of ureteral stent removal. These devices guarantee sterility upon manufacture and are not intended for reuse, contributing to reduced rates of bacteriuria and urinary tract infections (Adam et al 2021). In addition, their accessibility has been associated with shorter stent indwelling times, alleviating the workload on hospital staff (Lütfrenk et al 2023).…”