The carbon footprint of transperineal prostate biopsy

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the carbon footprint of transperineal prostate biopsy (TPPB). Climate change is the biggest global public health threat of the 21st century. Healthcare contributes 5% to global greenhouse gas emissions. Despite growing enthusiasm for sustainable urology, there is little data on the environmental impact of urological practice.

Patients and methods

Emissions associated with TPPB (under local anaesthesia) at a hospital in Aotearoa New Zealand were estimated from electricity consumption, procurement of equipment/supplies, travel of staff and patients, waste disposal and sterilisation of linen. Emissions coefficients were used to determine CO₂ equivalents (kgCO₂e) emitted.

Results

TPPB was associated with 70 kgCO₂e of emissions per case. This equates to 280 km of travel by car, or an economy seat on a 70-minute flight. The largest contributors were procurement (76%) and travel (23%). Electricity, waste disposal and sterilisation of linen did not contribute significantly to emissions (cumulatively <1.5%).

Conclusions

This is the first study to evaluate the carbon footprint of a TPPB. Emissions were derived mostly from procurement and travel. These may be mitigated by review of standardised equipment packs, transitioning to reusables and introducing outreach biopsy clinics. Adherence to pragmatic evidence-based guidelines for prostate cancer may reduce emissions associated with overdiagnosis and unnecessary biopsies. Further research is required to characterise the broader environmental impact of urology services.