Time Savings Using the Steiner Morcellator in Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Twenty laparoscopic myomectomies were evaluated for the time required to perform procedure. Ten cases were performed with standard morcellation techniques and 10 with the Steiner morcellator. Using the Steiner morcellator, the time required to morcellate the fibroids was reduced by 45 minutes/case on average, large fibroids exceeding 8 cm were easily treated, and no patient injuries occurred. One physician experienced a severe "tennis elbow" that required steroid injections and rest for the epicondylitis from using the manual morcellator. The Steiner morcellator offers significant time and cost savings over manual morcellation techniques. Over a series of 10 cases, 7.5 hours of operating room time were saved, which translates into an approximate saving of $10,000.00. The morcellator capital cost is approximately $16,000.00 and each morcellating sheath costs approximately $100.00. The Steiner morcellator will pay for itself with the performance of 15 procedures through the time it saves.
Carter
JE
Women's Health Center of South Orange County, 26732 Crown Valley Pkwy., Suite 541, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.
McCarus
S