Reuse of disposable sphincterotomes for diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP: aone-year prospective study

Background: Although previous studies have documented that single-channel s phincterotomes can be sterilized and used up to 10 times, no studies have p rospectively evaluated the reuse of disposable sphincterotomes. Methods: five- and six-french double-channel sphincterotomes marketed as on e-time-use only were manually cleaned, sterilized with ethylene oxide, and used up to 10 times. Over a 1-year period, total number of uses as a cannul ation or cutting device, reason for sphincterotome dysfunction, possible in fectious complications were evaluated, and cost-savings associated with reu se were evaluated. Results: The mean number of times sphincterotomes could be used in our inst itution was 3.4; a broken or stiff cutting wire was the main reason for dis card. There were two infectious complications during the study period. Both were experienced by patients with unrelieved obstruction treated with new sphincterotomes. Contingent on the method used, total savings related to sp hincterotome reuse was approximately $66,000. Conclusions: Double-channel sphincterotomes marketed as one-time-use items can be reused safely when properly cleaned. Reuse was associated with signi ficant cost savings in our institution.