Microsurgical instrument handling systems. A new approach to instrument budget control

1. Large portion of a hospital's supply budget is allocated for repair and replacement of surgical instruments. Microsurgical instrumentation can account for 18% or more of a total OR budget. 2. Managing the surgical instrument repair and replacement budgets with greater emphasis on accountability can help demonstrate effective cost containment. Cost savings may be experienced through appropriate use of surgical instrument management systems for handling, sterilization, and storage of microsurgical instruments. 3. Many facilities are implementing quality control programs to minimize replacement and repair costs, to ensure surgical instrument integrity, and to extend the life of their investment. Education, management information systems, improved communication, and appropriate use of instrument handling systems are some components of budget accountability in the operating room.