Introduction: The reprocessing of surgical instruments is a complex and precisely defined process that is essential for ensuring patient safety and preventing healthcare-associated infections. It comprises several interconnected stages, including pre-cleaning, cleaning, disinfection, inspection, packaging, sterilization, and appropriate storage. Errors occurring at any stage of the reprocessing cycle may result in microbiological contamination, instrument damage, and an increased risk of postoperative complications. Risk factors contributing to reprocessing errors include inadequate staff education and training, time pressures, insufficient adherence to guidelines, organizational deficiencies, and the lack of systematic quality control. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma work was to investigate the most common errors in the reprocessing of surgical instruments. Particular emphasis was placed on errors occurring at individual stages of the reprocessing cycle and on the factors contributing to their occurrence. Methods: A descriptive research method based on a literature review was used. The literature search was conducted between December 2025 and March 2026 using the databases CINAHL Ultimate, Medline/PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and the Digital Library of the University of Ljubljana. Professional and scientific articles published in Slovenian and English between 2015 and 2026, related to the reprocessing of surgical instruments, were included. Results: Among the most frequently identified irregularities in the stages of instrument reprocessing were the presence of organic residues on instruments, improper disassembly of multi-component instruments, inadequate drying, incorrect packaging, and inadequate monitoring of sterilization parameters. Due to insufficient visual inspection, damage or residual contaminants on instruments may remain undetected. Inadequately cleaned instruments increase the possibility of biofilm formation, which reduces the effectiveness of sterilization and increases the risk of microorganism transmission. A lack of knowledge of manufacturers' instructions and inconsistent implementation of standardized procedures are also frequently highlighted as important factors contributing to errors. Discussion and conclusion: The findings confirm that even minor deviations in reprocessing procedures can significantly affect patient safety and the effectiveness of sterilization. The literature review confirms that continuous professional staff education and training, consistent adherence to guidelines and standards, and effective interdisciplinary collaboration are essential for reducing reprocessing errors. Regular quality control, process validation, the use of checklists, and the implementation of standardized protocols also play an important role. Consistent application of these measures can improve the quality of surgical instrument reprocessing, reduce the risk of postoperative infections, and contribute to safer and higher-quality patient care.
|
