Variability in the Use of Disposable Surgical Supplies: A Surgeon Survey and Life Cycle Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: A substantial amount of waste is generated during surgery, yet few studies have investigated this problem. Therefore, we conducted a multicenter survey to investigate how the variation in the use of disposable supplies contributes to the environmental and financial burdens of health care.

Methods: We created a questionnaire to identify differences in supply use and practice characteristics among hand surgeons who participated in the Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial. We determined the average cumulative cost of 10 key surgical items based on the responses. Subsequently, we estimated the kilograms of carbon dioxide emitted during the life cycle of supplies, from raw material extraction to production and disposal, using economic input-output life cycle analysis.

Results: Thirty-five surgeons from 19 institutions responded to the survey (65% response rate). Based on the difference in costs between surgeons who used the fewest and the most supplies, we determined that expenditures and carbon dioxide emissions could decrease by $22.47 and 10.9 kg per procedure, respectively, with leaner use of 10 key items. Furthermore, assuming that surgeon variation in supply use is present in other surgical subspecialties, we estimated that $2.4 billion in savings and an 800.6 thousand metric ton reduction in carbon emissions could be achieved if all US surgeons reduced their supply use by this amount.

Conclusions: This study revealed considerable variations in the use of disposable supplies among hand surgeons, highlighting the need for evidence-based tools, policies, and education campaigns to reduce hospital waste across health care systems.

Clinical relevance: Optimal use of disposable supplies is necessary to reduce the cost and environmental burden of hand surgery care.

Keywords: Carbon footprint; hand surgery; health care waste; supply optimization.