Presentation Description
Institution: John Hunter Hospital - New South Wales, Australia
Aim:
This study aims to evaluate the environmental impact of single-use disposable waste in tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and grommet insertion surgeries, focusing on plastic waste generated and carbon emissions associated with these commonly performed ENT procedures.
Methodology:
A prospective study was conducted at a peripheral hospital, auditing plastic waste generated during tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and grommet (TAG) surgeries over a five-month period. Plastic surgical waste was logged, weighed, and analysed to estimate carbon emissions, with calculations based on an international standard emission factor for polypropylene plastic at 3 kg CO₂ per kg of plastic waste.
Results:
A total of 101 procedures were performed, comprising 54 TAG surgeries, 24 tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T+A) surgeries, and 23 grommet insertions. Average plastic waste per surgery was 1.5 kg for TAG, 1.2 kg for T+A, and 1.1 kg for grommets, translating to an estimated 4.5 kg, 3.6 kg, and 3.3 kg of CO₂ emissions per respective procedure. Total emissions over five months reached 405.3 kg of CO₂, equivalent to approximately 1,308 one-liter plastic water bottles.
Conclusion:
Findings suggest an environmental impact from single-use surgical products in ENT procedures, underscoring the need for sustainable practices. Collaboration with infection control to explore feasible reusable alternatives and reduce surgical waste is critical to aligning surgical practices with healthcare sustainability goals while maintaining safety standards.