Single-patient-use laparoscopic instrumentation: a company perspective.

The availability of single-patient-use laparoscopic instrumentation has been important for the adoption of laparoscopic surgery. Many surgeons were first introduced to laparoscopic surgery through the use of single-patient-use instrumentation. While there are reusable alternatives in most cases, many surgeons and operating room nurses still prefer single-patient-use instruments because they are sterile, safe, reliable, innovative in design, and always available. They also offer potential long-term hospital cost savings.