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Opportunities for Environmental and Public Health Stewardship in the Operating Room
Summary
A case study of a single septorhinoplasty estimated production of 97,637–530,638 microplastics from torn plastics and disposable supplies, which also dominated the procedure's 192.3 kg CO2e carbon footprint. The findings demonstrate that surgical disposables are a significant and underappreciated source of both greenhouse gas emissions and microplastic contamination in healthcare settings.
Understanding the environmental effects of surgery can help develop environmentally sound practices.Examine the environmental impact of performing septorhinoplasty.Case study.A primary septorhinoplasty was selected. Materials, medications, devices, and energy used were identified, and medical waste and torn plastics were characterized and measured. Global warming potential (GWP) and microplastics generated were calculated using published conversion rates.GWP of this septorhinoplasty was 192.3 kg CO2 equivalent (CO2e). The greatest contributor to GWP was the use of disposable supplies (160.95 kg CO2e), with smaller contributions from the sterilization of surgical equipment, anesthetic gases, environmental HVAC energy, surgical instrument manufacturing, and incineration of regulated medical waste. Microplastic production ranged between 97,637 and 530,638 microplastics.The environmental cost of septorhinoplasty was dominated by disposable items, contributing to GWP and microplastic production. Through awareness of the environmental impact of their choices, surgeons can develop mitigation strategies to minimize their effect.