A close-up look at laparoscopic instrument costs

Clearly, the choice between single-use and reusable laparoscopic instruments encompasses a number of complex issues. We found that hospitals in this study could replace existing reusable instruments with disposables--without meaningful impact on total costs. Such change would also have important benefits not quantified in this study. These include reduced risk of postoperative infection and transfer of blood-borne pathogens resulting from improper cleaning and sterilization, improved instrument performance, and reduced risk of employee injury. Given the importance of the single-use versus reusable decision, each hospital needs to analyze its own, specific situation. With input from surgeons, administrators, and OR, infection control and sterile processing staff, each institution can make an informed decision consistent with its cost and patient care objectives.