Ultrasound scissors: new single-use instruments vs. resterilised single-use instruments - a prospective randomised study

The aim of this study was to compare reliability in handling and function of resterilised and single-use disposable ultrasonic scissors. In a prospective randomized study, the surgeon blindly tested new and resterilised ultrasonic scissors. The parameters were force of activation, cutting effect, coagulation effect, error messages and disturbing generator noise. 51 new and 49 resterilised instruments in 94 operations were evaluated. The differences in force of activation, cutting effect and coagulation were not significant. Error messages and disturbing noises were rare in both groups. 6 new instruments and 2 resterilised instruments had to be exchanged because of problems during surgery. This study demonstrates comparable reliability in function and handling of resterilised and new ultrasonic scissors. The use of resterilised instruments leads to distinctly reduced costs and could contribute to efficiency in laparoscopic surgery.