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Environmental impact of pediatric ENT surgery: A STROBE analysis
M Martin1, S Ayraud-Thevenot2, X Dufour3
1Service d'ORL et chirurgie cervico-faciale, centre hospitalier universitaire de Poitiers, 2, rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers, France.
European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
|December 4, 2024
Summary
Pediatric head-and-neck surgeries create a significant carbon footprint, primarily from disposable medical devices. Reducing waste from these procedures is key for a sustainable healthcare system.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Medical Research
Background:
- Greenhouse gas emissions drive climate change, with the healthcare sector being a notable contributor.
- Operating rooms are significant sources of greenhouse gases within healthcare.
- The ecological impact of common pediatric head-and-neck surgeries remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the carbon footprint of frequently performed pediatric head-and-neck surgeries.
- To identify the primary sources of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emissions in these procedures.
Main Methods:
- An eco-epidemiological study was conducted in a tertiary hospital.
- Calculated the carbon footprint for tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and transtympanic tube placement surgeries.
- Assessed emissions from transport, waste, energy, medical devices, medications, and sterilization.
Main Results:
- Each pediatric head-and-neck surgery generated 57.86 kg CO2eq.
- Disposable medical devices constituted the largest emission source (53.3%).
- Patient transport (27.4%) and medications (12.6%) were other significant contributors.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric head-and-neck surgeries contribute substantially to CO2 emissions, largely due to disposable medical devices.
- Findings highlight the need for ecological strategies in healthcare.
- These data can inform environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient health systems.
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