Disinfection vs. sterilization of gynecologic laparoscopy equipment. The experience of the Phoenix Surgicenter.

A method is reported of combining both disinfected and sterilized equipment for use in gynecologic laparoscopy. This method has apparently not caused any problems in any of the 10,302 patients laparoscoped at the Phoenix Surgicenter. It has made laparoscopic surgery widely available to patients without any apparent increased risk and at a decreased cost.