Efficacy of vaporized hydrogen peroxide for repeated sterilization of a single-use single-incision laparoscopic surgery port.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) to sterilize a single-use single-incision laparoscopic surgery port and its associated components after repeated simulated uses.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective in vitro experimental study.

SAMPLE POPULATION: Six single-use single-incision laparoscopic surgery ports with associated cannulas and insufflation tubing.

METHODS: Ports, cannulas, and tubing were subjected to 10 cycles of simulated use, bacterial inoculation with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Escherichia coli, decontamination and sterilization, and testing via culture based on their treatment group designation. Bacteriological scores were compared among the negative control, positive control, and 4 treated ports and components.

RESULTS: There was no difference in bacteriological scores between treated ports, cannulas, and insufflation tubing and the negative control port and components. Bacteriological scores of ports and components undergoing 6-10 cycles were not significantly different from scores of ports and components undergoing 5 or fewer sterilization cycles. No difference was found in detection of bacteria from treated ports by biopsy of the foam versus sampling via wash.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a single-use single-incision laparoscopic port and its associated components can be effectively sterilized after multiple simulated uses by using VHP.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Reuse of a single-use single-incision laparoscopic port is a safe and effective method of cost reduction in veterinary patients.