In minimally invasive surgery, rigid endoscopes are commonly used. Due to their high cost, these instruments are reusable and must therefore undergo thorough cleaning and sterilisation before each use. To ensure they remain in suitable condition, systems are in place to measure and monitor the optical quality of endoscopes.

In practice, however, staff often find it difficult to interpret the results, particularly when measurements fall into an ambiguous range. This can lead to uncertainty: can the endoscope still be used, or should it be replaced? Although the measurement process itself is relatively straightforward, interpreting the results requires a certain level of expertise among central sterile department (CSD) personnel. This process typically involves collaboration between CSD staff, operating room teams, and surgeons.

Potential interventions include visualising measurement results using intuitive indicators (e.g. icons on sterile packaging showing lens and fibre quality percentages), and integrating measurement data into the hospital’s information system to improve traceability and tray management. These steps aim to strengthen endoscope monitoring and ensure safer, more reliable usage during surgical procedures.