Care and sterilization of endourologic instruments.

All endourologic instruments must be handled properly if they are to continue to function properly. Care must be taken in washing and sterilizing of this equipment, as not all endoscopic equipment can endure all methods, and people who are working with these instruments must be taught the proper care and sterilization methods of each. For example, fiberoptic telescopes and light cables must never be autoclaved; ethylene oxide is the method of choice. Disinfectant is an alternative. Loops, sheaths, high-frequency cables, resectoscopes, and working elements should be sterilized by ethylene oxide. Loops and high-frequency cables should not be soaked in a disinfectant, but other instruments may be soaked. All instruments should be dried before sterilization. Too much emphasis cannot be placed on the importance of proper storage of these very fragile fiberoptic instruments. With proper care and sterilization, these instruments will need fewer repairs and function properly for a longer time.