Disposable Endoscope Insertion Tube: A Core Tool Analysis in Urology

Disposable Endoscope Insertion Tube: A Core Tool Analysis in Urology

Disposable endoscope insertion tubes are sterile, single-use medical catheters designed specifically to assist endoscopic devices—such as ureteroscopes and cystoscopes—during urological procedures. They are engineered to provide a stable operational channel for the endoscope while protecting the urinary tract mucosa, reducing mechanical injury, and lowering the risk of infection. Compared to reusable insertion tubes, disposable ones have become an indispensable tool in urological surgery due to their high safety and convenience.

 Functions and Significance of Disposable Insertion Tubes

Protection of the Urinary Tract Mucosa
Repeated insertion and manipulation of endoscopes can cause frictional damage to the urinary tract walls, leading to tissue inflammation or bleeding. Disposable insertion tubes provide a smooth channel for the endoscope, significantly reducing the risk of mechanical injury to the urinary tract.

Reduction of Infection Risk
In patients with urinary tract infections or compromised immune systems, controlling the risk of infection is paramount. The single-use nature of disposable insertion tubes eliminates the possibility of cross-contamination, which is particularly crucial when handling complex infectious conditions.

Enhancement of Surgical Efficiency
Pre-sterilized and ready-to-use, disposable insertion tubes reduce preoperative preparation time and offer a smoother operational pathway, thereby making the surgical process more efficient.

Adaptability to Complex Anatomical Structures
In cases involving ureteral or urethral strictures, disposable insertion tubes help endoscopic equipment navigate through narrow passages more easily while ensuring device stability, ultimately increasing the success rate of the procedure.

II. Clinical Applications of Disposable Insertion Tubes

Ureteroscopic Examinations and Treatments
During ureteroscopic procedures (such as lithotripsy, polyp removal, or biopsy), disposable insertion tubes are used to protect the ureteral wall, preventing direct contact between the endoscope and tissue, which reduces the risk of injury.

Cystoscopic Surgeries
In cystoscopic surgeries (such as bladder tumor resection or stone removal), disposable insertion tubes provide a sterile and stable channel, ensuring that surgical instruments can be operated smoothly.

Assisting Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
In cases requiring stone fragmentation assistance, the insertion tube serves as an operational channel, ensuring that the ureter and bladder remain unaffected or undamaged by the lithotripsy device.

Management of Complex Urinary Tract Lesions
For scenarios such as ureteral dilation or stent placement, disposable insertion tubes offer precise and safe assistance.

III. Design Features of Disposable Endoscope Insertion Tubes

Material Selection
Common materials include PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and PEBAX, which are known for their excellent biocompatibility, smooth surface, and low friction properties. These characteristics help reduce tissue damage during surgical procedures.

Balance Between Flexibility and Rigidity
The insertion tube must be flexible enough to navigate the anatomical curves of the urinary tract while maintaining sufficient rigidity to prevent folding or collapse during operation.

Lubricious Coating
Typically, the surface of the insertion tube is coated with a hydrophilic layer that becomes even smoother upon contact with body fluids, further reducing friction between the tube and tissue.

Radiopacity
Many disposable insertion tubes are equipped with radiopaque markers, allowing for real-time, precise feedback during procedures that require X-ray guidance for accurate positioning.

Diverse Specifications
Insertion tubes are available in various diameters and lengths to accommodate different patient anatomical characteristics and the specific needs of various surgical procedures.

IV. Surgical Operation Steps for Disposable Insertion Tubes

Preoperative Preparation
The physician selects the appropriate insertion tube specifications based on the patient’s condition and the type of procedure, ensuring all necessary instruments are prepared in advance. Patients are also thoroughly informed to maintain a sterile surgical environment.

Insertion Tube Placement
With the aid of a lubricant, the insertion tube is slowly advanced along the urethra to the target site (such as the ureter or bladder entrance). Once securely positioned, the procedure can proceed.

Endoscope Operation
The physician then advances the ureteroscope or cystoscope through the insertion tube into the urinary tract to perform examinations, treatments, or biopsies.

Postoperative Removal
After the procedure, the physician removes both the endoscope and the insertion tube, ensuring that no residual tissue or equipment remains.

Disposable endoscope insertion tubes are critical tools in the field of urology. Their design and application address many challenges encountered in complex procedures. Thanks to their high safety profile and operational ease, disposable insertion tubes have been widely adopted in urological surgeries involving ureteroscopes, cystoscopes, and other endoscopic devices. With ongoing advancements in materials science and technology, these medical devices are continually being optimized to provide higher quality care for patients.

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