Operating theatres (OTs) are among the most energy-intensive areas in hospitals. While they save lives, they also contribute significantly to carbon emissions through energy use, anesthetic gases, and medical waste.
Why Is the Carbon Footprint High
Continuous ventilation, lighting, and temperature control
Use of greenhouse gasāemitting anesthetics
Large amounts of single-use plastics and disposables
Resource-heavy sterilization and supply chains
Is Green Surgery Possible?
Yesābut it requires balancing safety with sustainability. Patient care must remain the priority, but smarter systems can reduce environmental harm without compromising outcomes.
How Can We Reduce It?
Prefer low-impact anesthetic techniques
Optimize OT energy use when not in operation
Reduce unnecessary surgical pack waste
Encourage recycling and sustainable procurement
Educate healthcare staff on eco-friendly practices
Conclusion
Green surgery is achievable through small but consistent changes. Sustainable operating practices can protect both patient health and planetary health.
Itās a difficult balance to strike. āGreen Surgeryā isnāt about compromising care; itās about being mindful of the massive energy consumption and anesthetic gases like desflurane that have a high global warming potential. Starting smallālike switching to LED surgical lights or optimizing waste segregationāis a practical way to protect the environment while we continue to protect our patients."
Insightful! Practices that are both safe for the patient and planet must be adopted, because the health of Earth has a great impact on health of its creatures. Like you said, patient should be the priority but unnecessary waste generation should be avoided and educating self and staff regarding the same can help.
Thought provoking article, green OTs seemed like a brilliant idea but at the same time difficult which might also increase the overall cost, this needs to studied and the gaps must be filled.