LAPAROSCOPIC INSTRUMENT CARE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF OLIVE OIL & ARGAN OIL FOR INSTRUMENT LUBRICATION
Background: Care and maintenance of laparoscopic instruments are essential for their functionality and durability. Standard lubricants recommended for laparoscopic instruments are either unavailable or expensive to acquire in low-resource settings. Hence, there is need to explore available oils for lubrication of these instruments.
Aim: To compare the effectiveness of Olive Oil and Argan Oil in lubrication and instrument maintenance.
Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional comparative study done using eighteen (18) laparoscopic instruments. The instruments under study were divided into two groups with the same type of instrument in the respective groups. The instruments were lubricated with the oils and observed for ease of movement, residue formation and rust formation afterwhich appropriate data analysis was conducted to compare the effectiveness of both oils in laparoscopic instrument lubrication.
Results: Argan and Olive oil showed equal values for residue formation and rust formation but slightly different values for ease of movement. However, the difference observed is not statistically significant, hence not sufficient enough to indicate any divergence in effectiveness of lubrication in either oil.
Conclusion: Both oils showed equal effectiveness in preventing corrosion, promoting ease of movement and preventing residue formation. Hence, given their biocompatiblity, both oils are suitable and safe for laparoscopic instrument lubrication, especially in low-resource settings.
Keywords: Laparoscopic instrument, surgical instrument care, Olive Oil, Argan Oil, lubricant effectiveness, instrument lubrication.
