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Reusable instruments are more cost-effective than disposable instruments for laparoscopic cholecystectomy
K N Apelgren1, M L Blank, C A Slomski
1Department of Surgery, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
Surgical Endoscopy
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Reusable surgical instruments significantly reduce costs for laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures compared to disposable options. This study recommends reusable instruments due to substantial cost savings and no demonstrated disadvantages.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Health Economics
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Rising healthcare expenditures necessitate cost-saving strategies in surgical procedures.
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common operation, with 80% of 600,000 annual US procedures using this technique.
- Surgeons can influence operational costs through instrument selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the economic viability of reusable versus disposable surgical instruments.
- To analyze the cost-effectiveness of instrument choices in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Main Methods:
- Cost analysis of reusable and disposable instruments (Veress needle, trocars, sleeves, reducers, clip appliers, clips).
- Inclusion of sterilization and sharpening costs for reusable instruments.
- Data collection from four hospitals (three private, one Canadian university) with an assumed 100-case lifespan for reusable instruments.
Main Results:
- Reusable instruments cost $46.92-$50.67 per case.
- Disposable instruments cost $330.00-$460.00 per case.
- Literature review did not support theoretical advantages of disposable instruments (safety, sterility, efficiency).
Conclusions:
- Reusable instruments offer significant cost savings for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
- No data supports disadvantages of using reusable instruments.
- Strong recommendation for the adoption of reusable instruments in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.