Carbon Footprint of Pars Plana Vitrectomy, Pneumatic Retinopexy, and Scleral Buckle Procedures for Rhegmatogenous...

Purpose: To quantify the environmental impact of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), pneumatic retinopexy, and scleral buckle procedures used in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. Methods: We conducted a life cycle assessment of PPV, pneumatic retinopexy, and scleral buckle procedures. The primary outcome measure was the greenhouse gas emissions associated with each procedure measured in carbon dioxide equivalents. Results: The total greenhouse gas emissions produced were 51.10 kg carbon dioxide equivalents for PPV, 2.09 kg carbon dioxide equivalents for pneumatic retinopexy, and 12.57 kg carbon dioxide equivalents for scleral buckle. Emissions related to equipment use (30.07 kg carbon dioxide equivalents) followed by equipment manufacturing (21.00 kg carbon dioxide equivalents) were the main contributors of greenhouse gases in PPV. Emissions related to equipment manufacturing (1.60 kg and 8.51 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents for pneumatic retinopexy and scleral buckle, respectively), followed by equipment use (0.49 kg and 4.05 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents for pneumatic retinopexy and scleral buckle, respectively), were the greatest contributors of greenhouse gases in pneumatic retinopexy and scleral buckle. Conclusions: There is a substantial difference in greenhouse gas emissions among PPV, pneumatic retinopexy, and scleral buckle. Quantifying and understanding these differences can inform surgical decision-making.