Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026

Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia
Published on: May 26, 2023
[Sustainable anesthesia]
Theresa Dölker1, Linda Grüßer2, Hannah Richter3
1Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Medizinische Fakultät RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Deutschland.
Background:
The healthcare sector in Germany accounts for approximately 6-7% of national greenhouse gas emissions. Anesthesiology was among the first medical disciplines to publish recommendations on reducing the climate-damaging effects of medical procedures.
Objective:
This article summarizes the development of sustainability in the field of anesthesiology, explains key concepts and outlines specific measures to reduce environmental impacts.
Material And Methods:
The article is based on a literature review of position and consensus statements from national and international professional societies and of scientific publications on anesthesia-related greenhouse gas emissions. Measures to improve sustainability in the field of anesthesiology are categorized and discussed.
Results:
Strategies for sustainable transformation in healthcare take ecological, economic and social aspects into account. Approaches identified by German and European professional associations include reducing inhalation anesthetics through minimal fresh gas flows, avoiding desflurane and nitrous oxide, using total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) or regional anesthesia, optimizing waste management according to the 5Rs principle and improving energy savings.
Conclusion:
The recommendations from anesthesiology associations demonstrate that sustainable practice in anesthesiology is possible and should be systematically implemented into daily routines. Further research in the field of sustainability is required. Interdisciplinary cooperation between anesthesia, surgical disciplines and hospital management is essential for the successful implementation of sustainability measures.
Related Concept Videos
Stages of General Anesthesia
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...

