F Gaylis1, M Bastuba, M Bidair, W Friedel. 1. San Diego Urology Center, Medical Associates, La Mesa, California 91942, USA. sdurology@aol.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The 6/12 AQ hydrophilically coated tapered dilator is a newly developed device for ureteral dilation prior to rigid and flexible ureteroscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of this device, it was used to gain ureteral access in 80 consecutive patients undergoing ureteroscopy for diagnostic purposes, stone treatment, or stricture dilation. RESULTS: In all 80 cases, the ureteral orifice and intramural ureter were dilated successfully. One complication occurred: an embedded stone was extruded through the ureteral wall. Each dilation procedure using the 6/12 AQ tapered dilator costs 20% of a balloon dilation, a saving of approximately $764 per dilation. CONCLUSION: Ureteral dilation with the 6/12 AQ tapered dilator is a safe, effective, and inexpensive alternative to traditional dilation techniques.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The 6/12 AQ hydrophilically coated tapered dilator is a newly developed device for ureteral dilation prior to rigid and flexible ureteroscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of this device, it was used to gain ureteral access in 80 consecutive patients undergoing ureteroscopy for diagnostic purposes, stone treatment, or stricture dilation. RESULTS: In all 80 cases, the ureteral orifice and intramural ureter were dilated successfully. One complication occurred: an embedded stone was extruded through the ureteral wall. Each dilation procedure using the 6/12 AQ tapered dilator costs 20% of a balloon dilation, a saving of approximately $764 per dilation. CONCLUSION: Ureteral dilation with the 6/12 AQ tapered dilator is a safe, effective, and inexpensive alternative to traditional dilation techniques.