Observed rates of surgical instrument errors point to visualization tasks as being a critically vulnerable point in sterile processing and a significant cause of lost chargeable OR minutes.

Background: The reporting of surgical instrument errors historically relies on cumbersome, non-automated, human-dependent, data entry into a computer database that is not integrated into the electronic medical record. The limitations of these reporting systems make it difficult to accurately estimate the negative impact of surgical instrument errors on operating room efficiencies. We set out to determine the impact of surgical instrument errors on a two-hospital healthcare campus using independent observers trained in the identification of Surgical Instrument Errors.

Using Preference Cards to Support a Thoughtful, Evidence-based Orthopaedic Surgery Practice.

Introduction: When orthopaedic surgeons begin or relocate their careers, they must communicate effectively about their instrumentation and equipment needs. 'Preference Cards' or 'Pick Lists' are generated by and for individual surgeons at the time of hire and can be updated over time to reflect their needs for common cases. Currently, such decisions are made without formal guidance or preparation.

Introduction of pediatric laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in Guatemala.

Purpose: Introducing new surgical techniques in a developing country can be challenging. Inguinal hernias in children are a common surgical problem, and open repair is the standard surgical approach. Laparoscopic repair has gained popularity in developed countries because of similar results.

Intercostal nerve cryoablation is associated with lower hospital cost during minimally invasive Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum.

Unlabelled: Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (Nuss procedure) is associated with significant pain, and efforts to control pain impact resource utilization. Bilateral thoracic intercostal nerve cryoablation has been proposed as a novel technique to improve post-operative pain control, though the impact on hospital cost is unknown.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients undergoing a Nuss procedure from 2016 to 2019.

Reducing cost and waste in pediatric laparoscopic procedures.

Background: In 2017 the healthcare cost in the United States accounted for 17.9% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Furthermore, healthcare facilities produce more than 4 billion pounds of waste annually.