Surgical Tray Optimization in the Setting of Cleft Lip and Palate Reconstruction: Implications for Operative Cost and Efficiency

Abstract

Objectives To assess surgical instrument usage in cleft lip (CL) and cleft palate (CP) surgery and create an optimized surgical tray with an associated cost-savings analysis. Design Prospective, observational study. Setting Single institution, 6-month prospective review. Patients/Participants A total of 10 primary CL surgeries and 10 primary CP surgeries were included in this study. Intervention Complete lists of surgical instruments utilized in CL and CP surgeries were collected. Utilization fractions (UFs) were calculated as the percentages of average used instruments to averaged opened instruments per case. New optimized CL and CP surgical trays were idealized by removing instruments not used in at least 20% of cases, and a cost analysis was performed to identify potential savings. Calculation of annual potential savings was also conducted based on institutional caseload. Results The average instrument UFs were 26.0% for CL and 22.6% for CP. The estimated costs were $33.15 to $290.29 for the original CL surgical tray and $10.20 to $63.80 for the optimized tray. For CP, the original tray's cost was estimated at $38.25 to $319.00, and the optimized tray at $9.18 to $57.42. This demonstrates a cost reduction of $22.95 to $226.49 for CL and $29.07 to 261.58 for CP. Conclusions The idealized surgical instrument tray could contribute to reducing healthcare expenditures and promoting operating room efficiency, patient safety, and environmentally friendlier operating theaters.