This study by Forbes McGain and colleagues explores the environmental impact of treating patients with septic shock in intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States and Australia using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies. The focus is on energy consumption from heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and lighting, along with the use of consumables and […]
Document Category: Green Anesthesia Course
Environmental Sustainability in Anaesthesia and Critical Care
The review article by Forbes McGain and colleagues presents a comprehensive examination of the current state of environmental sustainability in the fields of anaesthesia and critical care. It addresses the significant impact of healthcare-related activities on the environment, notably through the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Key Points: Atmospheric Impact of Anaesthetic Gases: […]
Carbon Footprint of General, Regional, and Combined Anesthesia for Total Knee Replacements
The study by Forbes McGain et al. compares the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with different anesthesia modalities—general, spinal, and combined (general and spinal)—used during total knee replacement surgeries in Melbourne, Australia. Utilizing a prospective life cycle assessment for 29 patients, the study analyzes the environmental impact of these anesthetic methods with a detailed breakdown […]
The Carbon Footprint of Cataract Surgery
This study, led by DS Morris and colleagues, evaluates the carbon footprint of cataract surgery in a British teaching hospital, specifically the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. It aims to quantify the environmental impact of these surgeries to identify opportunities for reducing carbon emissions. Key Findings: Carbon Footprint: The study found that a single […]
Cataract Surgery and Environmental Sustainability: Waste and Lifecycle Assessment of Phacoemulsification at a Private Healthcare Facility
The article by Cassandra L. Thiel et al. presents a detailed analysis of the environmental impacts associated with phacoemulsification cataract surgery at Aravind Eye Care System, a private healthcare facility in southern India. Utilizing life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, the study quantifies the waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions from the surgical process and compares […]
Environmental Impacts of Surgical Procedures: Life Cycle Assessment of Hysterectomy in the United States
The article by Cassandra L. Thiel et al. employs a hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA) to analyze the environmental impacts of four different surgical approaches to hysterectomy—abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic, and robotic—performed in the United States. The study, which collected data from 62 cases, emphasizes the significant environmental burden associated with surgical procedures, particularly in terms […]
The Impact of Surgery on Global Climate: A Carbon Footprinting Study of Operating Theatres in Three Health Systems
The study conducted by Andrea J. MacNeill, Robert Lillywhite, and Carl J. Brown provides an extensive analysis of the carbon footprint generated by operating theatres across three health systems in Canada, the USA, and the UK. The research quantifies the substantial greenhouse gas emissions from surgical suites and suggests strategies for reducing their environmental impact. […]
Will Xenon Be a Stranger or a Friend? The Cost, Benefit, and Future of Xenon Anesthesia
The editorial by Takahisa Goto, Yoshinori Nakata, and Shigeho Morita discusses the potential and challenges of using xenon as an anesthetic agent. Despite xenon’s known anesthetic properties since over 50 years ago, its high cost and production challenges have limited its widespread use. Key Points: Properties of Xenon: Xenon has many ideal characteristics for anesthesia, […]
Financial and Environmental Costs of Reusable and Single-Use Anaesthetic Equipment
The study by F. McGain et al. investigates the environmental and financial costs associated with reusable versus single-use anaesthetic equipment. Through life cycle assessment (LCA), the study evaluates the trade-offs between environmental impacts (primarily CO2 emissions and water use) and financial costs in scenarios comparing reusable and single-use equipment in Australian hospitals. Key Findings: Cost […]
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable and Reusable Laryngeal Mask Airways
This article presents a life cycle assessment comparing the environmental impacts of disposable and reusable laryngeal mask airways (LMAs). The study focuses on two specific products: the one-time-use disposable UniqueTM LMA and the 40-time-use reusable ClassicTM LMA, assessing their full life cycle from manufacture to disposal. Key Findings: Environmental Impact: The reusable LMA has a […]
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