How Can We Make Hand Surgery Carbon Neutral?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Climate change is a major public health threat worldwide. Operating theaters are responsible for extensive waste production due to the resource-intensive nature of surgery, including hand surgery. METHODS: An online literature search was performed to ascertain the approaches that surgeons may undertake to positively impact the environment. RESULTS: Surgeons can make hand surgery more carbon neutral through various measures that have been categorized as pre-, intra-, and postoperative interventions. With all changes, the aims are to minimize waste and costs while optimizing patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Administrative obstacles to implementing pro-climate hospital changes may be overcome by also considering likely cost benefits with many environmentally friendly measures. New measures in hand surgery should consider patient safety, clinical efficacy, cost effectiveness, and the environmental impact.

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