Job stress in the urology field, bladder cancer treatment shortages and the cost of cystoscopy were among the most popular topics with our readers during the first six months of the year.

One story that especially resonated was a portrayal of everyday challenges faced by urologists. Other notable articles highlighted the significant environmental benefits achieved by transitioning from reusable to single-use cystoscopes and the increasing role of advanced practice providers, or APPs.

Below are the five most popular stories from the first half of 2023. We encourage you to revisit them and we thank you for reading Single-Use Endoscopy.  Click here to subscribe to our newsletters.

5. Investigation Explores Treatment Changes for NMIBC Due to BCG Shortage

In light of the scarcity of Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG), a recent study revealed a 5.9 percent reduction in full intravesical therapy for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The study also shed light on the rise of alternative treatments, which are pricier and less impactful.

4. Urology Care: The Increasing Role of Advanced Practice Providers

Researchers from the University of Chicago examined a decade's worth of insurance claims to gain insights into the expanding involvement of advanced practice providers in urologic care.

3. Decoding the Stressful Nature of Urologists' Work

Why does the job of a urologist carry such a heavy stress burden? Interest groups such as the Large Urology Group Practice Association (LUGPA) attribute this to rapid changes within the field, a growing shortage of urologists, and the pervasive impact of the global pandemic.

2. Environmental Impact Analysis: Single-Use vs. Reusable Cystoscopes

A comprehensive study evaluated the environmental footprint of cystoscopes in five key categories, with a particular focus on the carbon footprint resulting from greenhouse gas emissions. This research offered insights into the life cycle of both single-use and reusable cystoscopes.

1. AUA 2023: Unveiling the True Cost Calculation for Cystoscopy

During the AUA 2023 conference in Chicago, Christina Cool, the director of health economics and market access for Ambu USA, presented research estimating the average cost per procedure when using a reusable cystoscope. The calculation took into account factors such as capital investment, service and repairs, and reprocessing.