INTRODUCTION: The most commonly performed procedure among urologists is cystoscopy. However, urologists in developing countries have limited access and funds to purchase the equipment necessary to perform this procedure. The novel Endockscope (ES) mobile endoscopic system aids in reducing this gap in both cost and accessibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ES kits were distributed at the 2016 World Congress of Endourology in Cape Town, South Africa. All participants were given instructions on how to use the device and each participant attended a live demonstration during the conference. Eight months later, all participants were contacted via email, regular mail, or phone to complete a questionnaire designed to assess the impact of the ES device. RESULTS: A total of 24 ES kits were distributed. After numerous emails, questionnaires sent by regular return mail, and phone calls, 12 (50%) participants completed the survey as instructed. Seventy percent of participants reported that they performed more endoscopic procedures due to the ES system. Overall, 90% of participants stated that they would purchase the ES system for personal use ($40.53). All participants reported that they would recommend the ES to others. CONCLUSION: The ES system provided an effective inexpensive system to enable urologists in resource-challenged countries to offer cystoscopy to more of their patients.
INTRODUCTION: The most commonly performed procedure among urologists is cystoscopy. However, urologists in developing countries have limited access and funds to purchase the equipment necessary to perform this procedure. The novel Endockscope (ES) mobile endoscopic system aids in reducing this gap in both cost and accessibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS:ES kits were distributed at the 2016 World Congress of Endourology in Cape Town, South Africa. All participants were given instructions on how to use the device and each participant attended a live demonstration during the conference. Eight months later, all participants were contacted via email, regular mail, or phone to complete a questionnaire designed to assess the impact of the ES device. RESULTS: A total of 24 ES kits were distributed. After numerous emails, questionnaires sent by regular return mail, and phone calls, 12 (50%) participants completed the survey as instructed. Seventy percent of participants reported that they performed more endoscopic procedures due to the ES system. Overall, 90% of participants stated that they would purchase the ES system for personal use ($40.53). All participants reported that they would recommend the ES to others. CONCLUSION: The ES system provided an effective inexpensive system to enable urologists in resource-challenged countries to offer cystoscopy to more of their patients.
Authors: Shlomi Tapiero; Renai Yoon; Francis Jefferson; John Sung; Luke Limfueco; Courtney Cottone; Sherry Lu; Roshan M Patel; Jaime Landman; Ralph V Clayman Journal: World J Urol Date: 2019-10-09 Impact factor: 4.226