Ureteral dilation using a tapered dilator: a cost-effective approach.
OBJECTIVE
The 6/12 AQ hydrophilically coated tapered dilator is a newly developed device for ureteral dilation prior to rigid and flexible ureteroscopy.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
Ureteral dilation with the 6/12 AQ tapered dilator is a safe, effective, and inexpensive alternative to traditional dilation techniques.
Gaylis
F
F
San Diego Urology Center, Medical Associates, La Mesa, California 91942, USA. sdurology@aol.com
Bastuba
M
M
Bidair
M
M
Friedel
W
W
D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000628:therapy; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004106:Dilatation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D014513:Ureter; D018666:Ureteroscopy / Q000379:methods; D014545:Urinary Calculi / Q000628:therapy; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000628:therapy