[Environmental, organizational, and economic impact of cesarean section kits].

Abstract

Objective: Environmental sustainability is a current societal concern that also applies to the medical field, including obstetrics. One important approach involves reducing hospital plastic waste. In the operating room, this objective can be achieved through the use of caesarean section kits containing all the necessary disposable supplies. In addition, time and cost savings are also expected.

Methods: This single-center, medico-economic and environmental study, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, with a prospective and interventional design, was conducted from April 2023 to January 2026 at University Hospital of South Réunion. The study included a pack development phase followed by data collection during caesarean sections performed. Outcomes included plastic waste weight and setup time. An economic analysis was also performed (accounting for operating room occupancy time reduction and kit cost) and a satisfaction questionnaire has been submitted to the teams.

Results: Setup time was significantly reduced with the kits (median reduction of 165.5seconds) and the theoretical economic gain was estimated at €8011.08 for the year 2024. Regarding the reduction of PCP waste, results were not statistically significant due to the small sample size; however, a downward trend was observed. Staff satisfaction was high irrespective of professional role.

Conclusion: Caesarean section kits appear promising for reducing operating room waste, but above all they provide essential time saving during emergency caesarean sections, as well as substantial annual cost savings.