Sustainable surgery: Merging health care and environmental impact.

Abstract

Surgeons are uniquely positioned to implement sustainable practices and advocate for transparency in environmental impact reporting. Healthcare systems contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, undermining their mission to promote well-being. Surgeons, as high-resource users and clinical decision-makers, are uniquely positioned to lead sustainability efforts. Operating rooms consume disproportionate energy and generate substantial waste, making surgical practices a key target for environmental reform. This article introduces life cycle analysis and life cycle impact assessment as critical tools for evaluating the environmental effects of medical devices and practices. Life cycle analysis and life cycle impact assessment are tools that can be used to evaluate the full environmental and health impacts of medical devices and supplies, from raw material extraction to disposal. Understanding these tools empowers surgeons to choose safer, lower-impact alternatives while preserving patient safety. Although the US Food and Drug Administration does not currently mandate environmental impact reporting through life cycle analysis or life cycle impact assessment, surgeons can advocate for supply chain transparency and engage industry partners in developing more sustainable technologies. Real-world examples, such as reusable gowns and bouffant caps, demonstrate the feasibility and public health benefits of incorporating sustainability into surgical practice. By embracing these tools, surgeons can promote a health care model that advances both individual and planetary health.