Cutting Instruments to Cut Costs: A Simple Initiative with Breast Surgical Operating Room Trays that Resulted in Substantial Savings.

Background: A substantial expense in surgical care is incurred in the operating room (OR). We evaluated the financial impact of a systematic reduction in instrument tray contents on charges for breast surgery procedures.

Methods: A catalog of OR trays historically used for breast procedures (excisional biopsy, segmental and total mastectomy with or without axillary staging) was reviewed by four dedicated breast surgeons and downsized to a single tray accommodating all surgeon preferences.