Original scientific paper

Reuse of single-use surgical equipment - Survey on current practice and attitudes in Croatia

Jakov Mihanović orcid.org/0000-0001-6450-2956 ; University of Zadar, Department of Health Studies; General Hospital Zadar, Department of Surgery
Zenon Pogorelić orcid.org/0000-0002-1517-720X ; University of Split, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine; University Hospital of Split, Department of Pediatric Surgery
Nataša Skitarelić orcid.org/0000-0002-7155-8648 ; University of Zadar, Department of Health Studies; General Hospital Zadar, Department of Pediatrics
Robert Karlo orcid.org/0000-0002-6860-8915 ; University of Zadar, Department of Health Studies; General Hospital Zadar, Department of Surgery
Miro Jukić orcid.org/0000-0002-8853-4335 ; University of Split, School of Medicine; University Hospital of Split, Department of Pediatric Surgery
Igor Stipančić orcid.org/0000-0001-8654-5236 ; University Hospital Dubrava, Department of Abdominal Surgery

Abstract

Aims: To gain an insight into current practice and attitudes regarding the reuse of single-use surgical equipment among surgeons and surgical residents in Croatia.
Methods: During May 2020, an online survey was shared among Croatian surgeons and surgical residents via email link. The survey included 10 questions seeking information on respondents’ current positions at their departments, real-life practice about reusing single-use instruments, personal attitudes and knowledge about the current law frame.
Results: The majority of 53 participants reused single-use surgical equipment in their practice (92.5%). More than half of them reused many single-use devices such as harmonic scalpels, bipolar dissectors, staplers, single-use trocars, graspers, and scissors. The participants had divided opinions on safety issues, personal support of such practice and the necessity of disclosing to patients. However, the majority was inclined towards the use of new instruments if they found themselves with patients on the operating table (75.5%). Very few participants were aware of the current legal regulations and the law changes that would take effect in the near future (5.6%).
Conclusion: Current practice shows widespread reuse of single-use surgical equipment in Croatia despite the concerns of the involved surgeons. It seems that they recognize the potential safety and ethical issues, but at the same time, they are not well informed about the legal regulations of the practice which is alarming and calls for further education and preparation for the upcoming legal changes.

Keywords

laparoscopy; patient safety; equipment reuse; single-use devices

Hrčak ID:

260333

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/260333

Publication date:

12.7.2021.

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