Validation Study of the Doctor's Endoscopy Chair and Endoscope Carrying/Manipulation Apparatus

Abstract This study aimed to validate the functionality and usability of the doctor's endoscopy chair and endoscope carrying/manipulation apparatus known as EasyFlex. Prototype models of the EasyFlex apparatus were evaluated by five expert urologists specializing in endourology at three different medical centers: Hatay Training and Research Hospital, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, and Sancaktepe Sehit Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Research and Training Hospital. During the evaluation, the surgical and ergonomic benefits of the doctor's endoscopy chair and endoscope carrying/manipulation apparatus were compared with those used during the traditional flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) procedures in the management of kidney stones. Evaluation of both systems from ergonomic aspect showed that traditional flexible ureterorenoscopy procedures had significantly higher overall ergonomic efficiency scores than the EasyFlex apparatus, as reported by all participating surgeons (p < 0.001). Additionally, traditional fURS had significantly higher ergonomic scores than EasyFlex (37.6 vs. 12.6, (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the EasyFlex fURS group had significantly lower intraoperative complication rates than the traditional fURS group (11.8% vs. 27%, p = 0.017). When compared with traditional approach, results obtained in our study demonstrated well that EasyFlex apparatus could provide superior ergonomic conditions during fURS procedures. Additionally, the rate of intraoperative complications EasyFlex system has been found to be limited compared to traditional approach.