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Evaluating and reducing environmental waste in oculofacial plastic procedures
Sruti Rachapudi1, Lucy I Mudie2, Patrick J Hunt2
1University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL.
Summary
Reducing waste in oculoplastic surgery is achievable through targeted interventions. Minimizing the preemptive opening of supplies like cotton-tip applicators and gauze significantly cuts down on surgical waste.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Environmental Science
- Surgical Waste Management
Background:
- Oculoplastic procedures contribute to environmental waste.
- Identifying and reducing this waste is crucial for sustainable surgical practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement interventions aimed at reducing the environmental impact of oculoplastic procedures.
- To quantify waste generated during these procedures and assess the effectiveness of interventions.
Main Methods:
- Observation of oculoplastic procedures in office-based and ambulatory surgery settings.
- Waste audits to quantify discarded surgical items.
- Development of targeted interventions based on surgeon and staff feedback, focusing on supply management.
Main Results:
- The study analyzed 59 clinic and 44 operating room procedures.
- Textiles, plastics, and medications constituted the majority of waste.
- Interventions reduced wasted cotton tips from 12 to 3 and gauze squares from 10 to 3 per procedure by limiting preemptive opening of supplies.
Conclusions:
- Targeted interventions can significantly decrease environmental waste in oculoplastic surgery.
- Avoiding the preemptive opening of excess cotton-tip applicators and gauze is a key recommendation.
- Further strategies include multiuse medications, minimal draping, and optimized supply packaging.
