Green Endoscopy: Can Filtered Water Use in Endoscopy Be a Safe, Economical Alternative Which Promotes Sustainable...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Sustainability
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Device Reprocessing

Background:

• Sustainable healthcare initiatives aim to minimize environmental impact while ensuring high-quality patient care.
• Limited evidence exists for sterile water use in diagnostic colonoscopy, prompting a shift towards tap water and bottle recycling.
• This study investigates the use of filtered tap water for irrigation during colonoscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient outcomes associated with using filtered tap water for irrigation during diagnostic colonoscopy.
• To quantify water usage, economic savings, and environmental benefits of this sustainable practice.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, interventional study conducted in Melbourne, Australia, included 133 consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy over three months.
• Trained endoscopy nursing staff prepared filtered, room-temperature tap water for irrigation.
• Water volume per procedure was electronically recorded, and peri-procedural/post-procedural complications were retrospectively audited.

Main Results:

• No infective complications were recorded among the 133 patients.
• Five non-infective complications (abdominal pain, atrial fibrillation, rectal bleeding, constipation) were noted.
• Mean water consumption was 205 mL per colonoscopy, with projected annual savings of $5000 and a carbon footprint reduction of 1.37 kg CO2 Eq per bottle saved.

Conclusions:

• Filtered tap water is a safe and effective irrigation fluid for diagnostic colonoscopy.
• This practice offers significant economic and environmental advantages, supporting sustainable healthcare.
• Tap water represents a simple, viable alternative for endoscopy, promoting future sustainability.