Modeling life cycle analysis of eco-designed practices in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a pilot study

Background

Climate change represents a critical public health challenge, with health-care systems contributing 5.5%-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Methods

This pilot study assessed the environmental impact of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, a common surgical procedure, and evaluates the potential of eco-designed care practices to reduce this impact. Environmental impact was evaluated through life cycle analysis using the ReCIPE method, measuring CO2 production and 11 other environmental indicators. Data collection included resource use, waste generation, and procedural details from representative surgeries. The model also implemented measures such as reusable surgical equipment, reduced halogenated anesthetics, optimized waste sorting, and locally produced, sustainable staff garments.

Results

Results showed a 54% reduction in CO2 emissions (109.2 kgCO2eq vs. 51.1 kgCO2eq) and significant improvements across all assessed environmental categories, including a 60% decrease in stratospheric ozone depletion and a 52% reduction in ozone formation. Each surgical phase demonstrated decreased environmental impact, particularly in waste management and anesthesia.

Conclusion

While limited by its single-center design, this study highlights the feasibility of integrating eco-design principles into health-care practices. These findings emphasize the importance of reducing the environmental footprint of surgical care, aligning with global sustainability goals. Future research should expand on these preliminary findings to develop standardized eco-design strategies in health-care systems.