Sterilization of laparoscopes. Is soaking sufficient?

Controversy exists over the proper methods of sterilizing laparoscopic telescopes. An edict requiring gas sterilization rather than solution soaking of these instruments is in force in all federal hospitals. This rule has necessitated capital investments for new instruments and has led to a severe reduction in the number of cases of laparoscopy that may be scheduled in one day. Fear of contamination is based on theoretical considerations and rusn counter to the actual, observed safety record seen with laparoscopes soaked in activated glutaraldehyde between cases. In an effort to dispassionately approach this problem, cultures of the umbilical area, the laparoscope and the pelvic serosal surfaces were taken to document the type of organisms commonly encountered under clinical conditions. Cultures for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as for fungi were taken after soaking the telescope in activated glutaraldehyde. The results demonstrated growth of common skin organisms even after skin preparation with povidone-iodine and ethyl alcohol. Similar organisms were recovered in some cases from the laparoscope and the pelvic surfaces. The actual degree of contamination suggested by a colony count falls well within the range of the healthy peritoneum to cope with these organisms. Recommendations for laparoscopic sterilization or disinfection are based on the results obtained.