High-level disinfection with 2% alkalinized glutaraldehyde solution for reuse of laparoscopic disposable plastic trocars

The reusability of disposable plastic trocars after high-level disinfection by alkalinized 2% glutaraldehyde solution was examined in a prospective study from the point of view of infection risk in order to determine the safety and economic benefits. For this purpose, 45 laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases were analyzed microbiologically and clinically. In 30 cases, trocars subjected to 15 min of disinfection by glutaraldehyde were used. In the remaining 15 cases, new trocars mere used and a control group was established. In total, eight culture samples were taken from trocars, laparoscope (as it is disinfected by the same method), glutaraldehyde solution and umbilicus of the patients preoperatively; and from the bile in the gallbladder, peritoneal lavage fluid, and epigastric and umbilical incisions postoperatively. Only one of the disinfected trocars yielded a culture-positive result. No culture-positive results were found in the samples taken from laparoscope, glutaraldehyde, and epigastric incisions. Culture-positive results were obtained in 11 cases at the umbilicus, in one case at the peritoneal lavage and in one case at the umbilical incision. None of the patients had infection at the wound site or intra-abdominally. In conclusion, we have shown that disposable plastic trocars subjected to high-level disinfection can be reused safely without infection risk and that cost can be reduced.