Greener Surgeries for a Healthier Planet

When considering surgery, environmental impact may not be the first aspect that comes to mind. However, pediatric surgeon Dr. Ami Shah emphasizes that operating rooms are not only places for healing patients but also opportunities to contribute positively to the environment. Alongside Dr. Brian Gulack, Dr. Shah has been investigating the significant amount of waste generated by hospitals, primarily from single-use surgical supplies. Their research reveals how rethinking surgical practices can lead to substantial reductions in waste, cost savings, and environmental protection without compromising patient care.

One key area of focus is the use of procedure cards—checklists that specify necessary tools for surgeries. Frequently outdated or copied from previous templates, these lists often result in supplies being opened but left unused, then discarded, creating unnecessary waste and expense. For example, in laparoscopic appendectomies, many disposable tools like staplers are routinely opened and discarded if they aren't used, contributing to an estimated $200 million yearly loss and a surge of plastic and metal waste that must be incinerated. Updating these procedures and only opening tools when necessary can significantly reduce waste.

Another surprising contributor to medical waste involves disposable surgical caps. Traditionally made from spun plastic due to safety considerations, research shows that reusable cloth caps are equally effective in preventing infections and drastically less harmful to the environment. With over 20 million surgeries annually involving multiple staff members, switching to reusable caps could cut the production-related carbon emissions by nearly 80%, all while saving hospitals money.

Additionally, reprocessing medical devices—such as pulse oximeter probes, tourniquet cuffs, and trocars—has demonstrated impressive results. For instance, in 2023, Rush University Medical Center reprocessed nearly 140,000 devices and saved over $400,000, all while diverting approximately 24,000 pounds of waste from landfills.

These initiatives illustrate how small changes in surgical routines can have lasting environmental benefits. Hospitals, as significant resource consumers, can lead the way in adopting sustainable practices that align with their healing mission—caring for patients, communities, and the planet. Dr. Shah's work underscores that high-quality healthcare need not come at the expense of environmental health; with deliberate efforts, both goals are achievable, leading to a more sustainable and responsible future for surgery.

This approach proves that environmentally conscious practices in hospitals are not only possible but essential for the health of our planet.