Reducing Nitrous Oxide Utilization as Part of a Greener Anesthesia Program: Outcomes from a Tertiary Care Center

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Environmental Science
• Medical Engineering

Background:

• Nitrous oxide (N2O) offers sedative and analgesic properties but poses environmental risks due to greenhouse gas emissions.
• The continued use of medical gas pipeline systems (MGPSs) for N2O delivery presents leakage concerns, exacerbating environmental hazards.
• Many institutions are phasing out N2O in anesthesia due to these environmental considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of discontinuing medical gas pipeline system (MGPS) supply of nitrous oxide (N2O) on its consumption.
• To assess the adoption of medical air as an alternative anesthetic gas.
• To analyze the trend of N2O usage in a tertiary care institute post-MGPS discontinuation.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of N2O cylinder consumption was performed.
• Data was collected from operation theaters between January 2021 and December 2024.
• The study period commenced immediately after the cessation of MGPS N2O supply.

Main Results:

• A steady and substantial decline in N2O consumption was observed after the MGPS supply was discontinued.
• The adoption of medical air as a replacement anesthetic agent coincided with the decrease in N2O usage.
• The findings indicate a successful transition away from N2O in the study institution.

Conclusions:

• Discontinuing the medical gas pipeline system supply of N2O effectively reduced its usage.
• The transition to medical air represents a successful strategy for more sustainable anesthesia practices.
• This institutional change highlights a commitment to mitigating environmental impact in healthcare settings.