Theatre waste production and the carbon emissions from tonsillectomy surgery

Background: Healthcare waste contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions which are known to be causing climate change and negatively impacting health by affecting clean air, drinking water, nutritious food supply, and safe shelter. Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in Australia and New Zealand and its impact on the environment has not been measured. The aim of this study is to evaluate the amount of waste generated by a tonsillectomy procedure, assess the carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) emissions, and discuss sustainable alternatives to reduce the environmental impact of surgery moving forward. Methods: A prospective case study of waste produced by a single tonsillectomy procedure in an Australian private hospital was conducted. Disposable drapes and surgical preformed sterile packs are used along with recyclable instrument trays. The waste generated by the surgery and the anaesthetics were collected, collated, weighed, and divided into non-recyclable and recyclable items. Items were grouped according to their material type. The weight and carbon emissions life cycle assessment were performed. Results: A tonsillectomy procedure generated 2.117 kg of waste; 1.253 kg (59%) of non-recyclable waste and 0.864 kg (41%) of recyclable waste. From the total waste of a tonsillectomy procedure the median dioxide carbon emissions were 25.905 kg CO2e (approximately equivalent to 65.3 kilometers driven by an average car). Conclusions: Tonsillectomy in a modern Australian hospital, with the move to disposable plastic theatre drapes, gowns, bowls, equipment, generates a significant amount of waste of approximately 95,594.10 kg of solid waste and 1,178,993 kgCO2e per year in Australia. Reducing, reusing, and recycling strategies are required moving forward to reduce the impact of ear, nose and throat (ENT) and head and neck surgery on the environment without negatively affecting quality of care and safety to patients and health care workers.