Reprocessed bipolar energy for laparoscopic colectomy: Is it worth it?

Area of Science:

• Surgical Technology
• Medical Device Reprocessing
• Healthcare Economics

Background:

• Reprocessing (re-sterilizing) surgical devices aims to reduce healthcare operational costs.
• Bipolar energy devices are commonly used in various surgical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of reprocessed bipolar energy devices compared to new devices.
• To assess the impact of reprocessed devices on surgical outcomes and operating room expenses.

Main Methods:

• A case-matched study comparing 76 patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy with reprocessed bipolar devices to 76 patients who used new devices.
• Data collected included patient demographics, operative times, device performance, and hospital costs between January 2014 and October 2015.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in patient demographics, operative times, or surgical complications between the reprocessed and new device groups.
• Operating room costs and total hospital costs were significantly lower for the reprocessed bipolar device group.
• Surgeon dissatisfaction led to the use of an additional new device in 19.7% of cases involving reprocessed instruments due to safety concerns.

Conclusions:

• Reprocessed bipolar energy devices offer significant savings in operative expenses.
• High rates of surgeon dissatisfaction linked to safety concerns necessitate further investigation and larger studies.
• While cost-effective, the widespread adoption of reprocessed devices requires addressing safety perceptions and performance reliability.