Independent Analysis of Olympus Flexible Ureteroscope Repairs

ObjectivesTo conduct a systematic review of repairs of Olympus flexible ureteroscopes using an independent database to compare and contrast with the published data obtained from ureteroscope manufacturers.MethodsThe repair data from 2000 to 2004 were extracted from a computer database obtained through Precision Endoscopy of America, an independent endoscope repair company. All endoscopes submitted for repair underwent a detailed 16 to 32-point inspection using a set protocol for each endoscope make and model, as determined by the manufacturer.ResultsA total of 341 repairs were performed on the Olympus URF-P (4%), URF-P2 (47%), and URF-P3 (47%) flexible ureteroscopes. The distal segment was the most common repair site requiring repair (30%), with 87% of these repairs requiring replacement of the bending rubber. The repairs also included the deflection apparatus (14%) and hand control segment (9%) and image-related repairs (9%). The between-group assessment showed a statistically significant decrease in deflection apparatus repairs for the URF-P2 (20%) compared with the URF-P3 (7%; P <0.001, chi-square = 11.96).ConclusionsThe results of our study have shown that the loss of deflection is less common with the newer Olympus ureteroscopes. The distal deflection tip, specifically the outer bending rubber, is the most common site of damage to Olympus flexible ureteroscopes. Improvements in form and function of the distal tip should decrease the maintenance expenses and increase ureteroscope longevity.