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Costs associated with instrument sterilization in gynecologic surgery
Mary M Van Meter1, Rony A Adam1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|June 26, 2016
Summary
Gynecologic surgeons use only 20.5% of surgical instruments, leading to significant costs from processing unused items. Optimizing surgical trays can reduce expenses while maintaining patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Operations
- Healthcare Management
- Cost Analysis
Background:
- Rising healthcare expenditures necessitate cost containment in hospitals without compromising patient care.
- Significant perioperative costs are linked to unused reusable surgical instruments, leading to excess processing expenses.
- Reorganizing gynecologic surgical trays to include fewer instruments offers potential for substantial cost savings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the percentage of instrument utilization in gynecologic surgery across different surgical approaches.
- To calculate the costs associated with sterilizing surgical instruments.
- To estimate the excess costs incurred from processing unused surgical instruments.
Main Methods:
- A single-site observational study was conducted.
- Trained investigators directly observed surgeries and recorded instrument usage from incision to closure.
- Cost data for instrument processing, including transportation, wages, and replacement, were obtained from supply chain management.
Main Results:
- An average instrument usage rate of 20.5% was observed across 28 gynecologic cases.
- Instrument usage varied significantly between abdominal (26.3%) and vaginal (13.6%) approaches.
- The total annual institutional cost for instrument processing was estimated at $3.19 per instrument.
Conclusions:
- Instrument utilization in gynecologic operating rooms is low, with substantial costs associated with instrument processing.
- While some instruments are essential for patient safety, the low usage rate suggests a need to review tray contents.
- Significant cost savings are achievable through careful optimization of surgical trays, balancing efficiency with patient safety.
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