Minimising carbon and financial costs of steam sterilisation and packaging of reusable surgical instruments.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The aim of this study was to estimate the carbon footprint and financial cost of decontaminating (steam sterilization) and packaging reusable surgical instruments, indicating how that burden might be reduced, enabling surgeons to drive action towards net-zero-carbon surgery.

Methods

Carbon footprints were estimated using activity data and prospective machine-loading audit data at a typical UK in-hospital sterilization unit, with instruments wrapped individually in flexible pouches, or prepared as sets housed in single-use tray wraps or reusable rigid containers. Modelling was used to determine the impact of alternative machine loading, opening instruments during the operation, streamlining sets, use of alternative energy sources for decontamination, and alternativ

SUBMITTER: Rizan C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10364739 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature