Comprehensive flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) simulator for training in endourology: The K-box model.

Over the last two decades there has been an increase in the incidence of kidney stone disease with a simultaneous rise in the use of ureteroscopy for its management [1]. Flexible ureteroscopy training is variable and still largely dependent on high fidelity models and virtual reality (VR) simulation, both of which are expensive and not readily available in many parts of the world. There is also a lack of good quality bench trainers. In a recent survey of endourologists worldwide, flexible ureteroscopy was considered as a first line treatment for stones <2 cm [2]. With this in mind, we have developed a new portable bench-training box model for training in flexible ureteroscopy and endourology. This is a low-cost reusable model for flexible ureteroscopy training allowing the user to manipulate the scope, place a guidewire and access sheath, use a basket to catch/relocate the stone and finally to use a Holmium YAG laser to fragment the stone.