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A comparison of reusable versus disposable laparoscopic instrument costs
Background:
Between 1991 and 1993 a single set of reusable laparoscopic instruments was used to perform 404 cholecystectomies, 102 hernia repairs and 66 advanced procedures. Disposable instruments were used only when no suitable reusable instrument was available or when reusable instruments were not working to the satisfaction of the surgeon.
Methods:
The cost of performing those laparoscopic operations using this policy was calculated by adding the purchase cost, the maintenance costs and the repair and replacement costs of the reusable instruments. To this figure was added the cost of disposable instruments which were used instead of reusable instruments during the study period.
Results:
The total cost was $253,385, at an average of $443 per case. The cost per case for reusable instruments remained approximately $100 through the 3 years, while the cost per case of disposable instruments fell from almost $600 in 1991 to about $200 in 1993.
Conclusions:
Our future policy is to continue using reusable instruments initially, with backup disposable instruments.