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- Talk
- 19/09/2023
- UK
Sustainability Issues Around Nitrate Oxide and Anaesthesia
Description
In this presentation, Ahmet Agwal discusses the significance of nitrous oxide in orthopedic clinical practice while also examining its environmental impact. Starting off with its applications, nitrous oxide is commonly utilized for labor analgesia as Entonox, in induction of anesthesia in pediatrics, and as a sedative in various medical settings including dental clinics and emergency departments. While it provides relief, Agwal emphasizes the risks associated with nitrous oxide exposure, especially its potential to cause vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to serious neurological complications.
He presents evidence from various studies indicating a correlation between nitrous oxide use and disrupted bone metabolism, particularly highlighting the dangers for patients with cobalamin deficiencies. Notably, he references significant meta-analytic findings on the symptoms exhibited by patients exposed to nitrous oxide, such as paresthesia and mobility issues, which are particularly relevant in the orthopedic context, where fractures and gait problems are common presentations.
A considerable segment of the presentation is dedicated to the environmental effects of nitrous oxide, noting its status as a potent greenhouse gas with a long atmospheric lifetime. Agwal presents figures showcasing its contribution to the NHS carbon footprint, urging for a thorough assessment of its necessity in clinical settings due to the pressing sustainability concerns.
To mitigate these impacts, Agwal discusses emerging destruction technologies that break down nitrous oxide into benign components, emphasizing the need for healthcare institutions to adopt such solutions to significantly reduce their carbon emissions.
In conclusion, Agwal calls for a reevaluation of nitrous oxide usage in medicine, advocating for its restriction to essential cases only and encouraging the implementation of scavenging and destruction technologies. He suggests that it may be time to say a fitting farewell to this longstanding anesthetic agent, as the healthcare industry moves towards a more sustainable future.