The Upper Hand of Sustainability. Reducing Carbon Footprint in Surgery

Description

In this presentation, Preetham Kodumuri, a consultant hand surgeon from North Wales, discusses a sustainable quality improvement initiative he led in collaboration with another hospital. He emphasizes the pressing need for sustainability in healthcare, noting that surgical practices contribute significantly to the carbon footprint within the hospital system, particularly through waste generation in operating theaters. The project was focused on carpal tunnel surgery, a common and reproducible procedure, with the aim of reducing waste and carbon footprint by streamlining surgical instruments and materials used.



Preetham details the process of defining goals for the project, engaging various stakeholders including sterile services, procurement, and patients to refine practices. A key component of the initiative was the introduction of a smaller, more efficient set of surgical instruments and drapes, reducing the unnecessary use of single-use materials. The results highlighted substantial reductions in both waste and carbon emissions, alongside cost savings for healthcare providers. Preetham concludes with remarks on the broader implications of sustainability in surgical practice, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered care and operational efficiency. The project showcases a model for implementing sustainable practices in healthcare that could be replicated in other surgical contexts.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-230324

Specialties