Single-use trocar: is it possible to reprocess it after the first use?

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Microbiology
• Sterilization Science

Background:

• Single-use surgical devices, like trocars, are crucial in minimally invasive surgery.
• Concerns exist regarding potential microbial contamination of trocars after surgical procedures.
• Assessing the efficacy of reprocessing single-use trocars is vital for patient safety and resource management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detect microorganisms on single-use trocars immediately after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of cleaning, conditioning, and sterilization processes on contaminated trocars.
• To verify the microbial safety of trocars reprocessed using various physicochemical methods.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight trocars from Ethicon, Auto-suture, and Aesculap brands were analyzed post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• Microbial cultures were performed on trocars before and after reprocessing.
• Sterilization methods included formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, and hydrogen peroxide plasma.

Main Results:

• Microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) were detected in 46.5% of trocars immediately after use.
• No microorganisms were found in 53.5% of trocars, potentially due to limited microbial niches.
• All 28 trocars were free of microorganisms after undergoing reprocessing and sterilization.

Conclusions:

• Surgical trocars can harbor microbial contamination after use.
• Despite difficult-to-access compartments, trocars can be effectively cleaned and sterilized.
• Physicochemical sterilization methods (formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide plasma) ensure the microbial safety of reprocessed trocars.