Uncovering the carbon cost: Environmental impact of free flap reconstruction procedures in the UK.

Abstract

Introduction: Free flap reconstruction procedures are renowned for their duration and the requirement for many staff and large quantities of equipment. This single-centre cross-sectional study aimed to quantify the total emissions related to two such procedures carried out at a district general hospital.

Methods: One deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flap procedure and one anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap procedure, both carried out in February 2024, were analysed. Data related to staff transport, anaesthetic duration, mass of disposable equipment, quantity of reusable surgical equipment and consumption of electricity and heating for the relevant theatre areas were collected. Emissions were calculated using UK government conversion factors and classified by scope and contributory element as per the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Results: Total emissions were estimated at 385.5 kgCO2eq for the DIEP and 369.6 kgCO2eq for the ALT. Scope 1 emissions related to heating, atmospheric release of general anaesthetic and incineration of waste accounted for 33.7% of DIEP emissions and 35.6% of ALT emissions. Scope 2 emissions related to the use of grid electricity accounted for 44.8% of DIEP emissions and 46.7% of ALT emissions. Scope 3 emissions related to staff transport, cleaning of reusable equipment and the supply chain for disposable equipment accounted for 21.5% of DIEP emissions and 17.7% of ALT emissions.

Conclusion: Significant reductions in emissions may be achievable without significant infrastructural changes through initiatives to reduce staff transport by single-occupancy car, improving the energy efficiency of the theatre areas and reducing the use of single-use surgical equipment.