Introduction: Given the current challenges in the sterile processing of surgical equipment, our Urology practice converted to single-use cystoscopes. Our objective was to evaluate differences in post-procedure encounters and infections following cystoscopies using disposable and reusable cystoscopes. Methods: Cystoscopies performed from June 2020 through August 2020 and February 2021 through April 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The 2020 cystoscopies were performed with reusable cystoscopes and the 2021 cystoscopies were performed with disposable cystoscopes (Ambu Inc., Columbia, MD, USA). Our primary analysis compared post-procedural encounters and infections for reusable and disposable cystoscopes. Encounters were defined as all phone calls, Emergency department visits, or clinic appointments related to post-procedural complications such as pain, hematuria, or fever within 30 days of the cystoscopy. Results: 1,051 cystoscopies were included in our four-month retrospective analysis. 533 cystoscopies utilized disposable cystoscopes and 518 utilized reusable cystoscopes. In the disposable scope group, 380 (71.3%) patients were male and 153 (28.7%) were female. In the reusable scope group, 356 (68.7%) patients were male and 162 (31.3%) were female. Overall median age was 71 years for both groups [range: 20-97 (disposable), 23-98 (reusable)]. The most common indication for cystoscopy in both groups was suspicion of bladder cancer [disposable: 152 (28.5%) and reusable: 144 (27.8%)]. The reusable cystoscope group had a higher percent of encounters [87 (16.8%) vs. 12 (2.3%), P<0.001], urine cultures [83 (16.0%) vs. 4 (0.8%), P<0.001], positive urine cultures [23 (4.4%) vs. 2 (0.4%), P<0.001], and hospitalizations [3 (0.6%) vs. 1 (0.2%), P=0.367] when compared to the disposable scope group. Conclusions: The use of disposable cystoscopes decreased the number of post-procedure encounters, ordered urine cultures, positive urine cultures, and hospitalizations. SOURCE OF Funding: N/A
