Potential Carbon Savings with Day-case Compared to Inpatient Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour Surgery in England: A Retrospective Observational Study Using Administrative Data

Abstract

BackgroundThe National Health Service (NHS) in England has set a net-zero target for carbon emissions by 2040. Increasing use of day-case surgery pathways may help in meeting this target. ObjectiveTo investigate the estimated difference in carbon footprint between day-case and inpatient transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) surgery in England. Design, setting, and participantsThis was a retrospective analysis of administrative data extracted from the Hospital Episode Statistics database for all TURBT procedures conducted in England from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2022. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisDay-case and inpatient TURBT procedures were identified and the carbon footprint for key elements of the surgical pathway was estimated using data from Greener NHS and the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition. Results and limitationsOf 209 269 TURBT procedures identified, 41 583 (20%) were classified as day-case surgery. The day-case rate increased from 13% in 2013–2014 to 31% in 2021–2022. The move from inpatient stays to day-case surgery between 2013–2014 and 2021–2022 demonstrates a trend toward a lower-carbon pathway, with an estimated saving of 2.9 million kg CO2 equivalents (equivalent to powering 2716 homes for 1 yr) in comparison to no change in practice. We calculated that potential carbon savings for the financial year 2021–2022 would be 217 599 kg CO2 equivalents (equivalent to powering 198 homes for 1 yr) if all hospitals in England not already in the upper quartile were able to achieve the current upper-quartile day-case rate. Our study is limited in that estimates are based on carbon factors for generic surgical pathways. ConclusionsOur study highlights potential NHS carbon savings that could be achieved by moving from inpatient stays to day-case surgery. Reducing variation in care across the NHS and encouraging all hospitals to adopt day-case surgeries, where clinically appropriate, would lead to further carbon savings. Patient summaryIn this study we estimated the potential for carbon savings if patient undergoing bladder tumour surgery were admitted and discharged on the same day. We estimate that increasing use of day-case surgery between 2013–2014 and 2021–2022 has saved 2.9 million kg CO2 equivalents. If all hospitals were to achieve day case-rates comparable to those in the highest quarter of hospitals in England in 2021–2022, then the carbon equivalent to powering 198 homes for 1 year could have been saved.