A race we must win: reuse of disposable products in the operating theater : The example of a nearly failed recycling concept

Abstract

Climate change due to the carbon footprint left by the modern lifestyle has become an irrefutable topic in today's media. The healthcare sector alone contributes ca.5% of the world's CO2 emissions of which 25% comes from the operating theater. In order to spare personnel costs for sterilization, most medical suppliers of operating equipment have switched to the use of disposable products. In our pilot project in the department for thoracic surgery, we aim to recycle disposable Ethicon staplers used regularly in almost every operating theater. Since August 2022 we have succeeded in making the process routine for all surgical departments in all Asklepios Clinics in Hamburg. This project clearly demonstrates the various possibilities available to reduce carbon emissions through something as simple as recycling. Although the process is practically and politically arduous to implement we have demonstrated that with close partnerships with regulatory bodies, the process can be streamlined to meet the needs of every healthcare provider.