Estimating the environmental impact of endoscopic activity at a tertiary center: a pilot study

Data de publicação:

Autores da FMUP

  • Manuel Guilherme Gonçalves Macedo

    Autor

Participantes de fora da FMUP

  • Ribeiro, Tiago
  • Morais, Rui
  • Monteiro, Cristiana
  • Carvalho, Ana
  • Barros, Sonia
  • Fernando, Andre
  • Pioche, Mathieu
  • de Santiago, Enrique Rodriguez

Unidades de investigação

Abstract

IntroductionThe growing number of endoscopic procedures, frequently requiring single-use disposable instruments, is responsible for the production of a large amount of waste. To this date, the reality of waste production at large European Gastroenterology centers is unknown. This study aimed to estimate the amount of waste due to endoscopic practice at a tertiary center in Portugal.MethodsWe performed a prospective study to calculate the mass (in kg) of residues generated during a period of 5 working days of endoscopic practice. We included residues produced at endoscopy suites, pre and postprocedure areas and during endoscope reprocessing. Residues were categorized as non-dangerous (groups I/II), of biologic risk (group III) and specific hazardous hospital residues (group IV). The production of residues separated for recycling/valorization (paper/card and plastic) was also quantified. The volume of water used for reprocessing an endoscope was also assessed.ResultsDuring the analyzed period, 241 endoscopic procedures were performed. A total of 443.2 kg of waste (22.6 kg from groups I/II, 266.9 kg from group III and 3.9 kg from group IV) were produced, most from group III (75%). For each endoscopic procedure, 1.8 kg of waste was generated. Of the total waste mass, 17.8% was separated for recycling/valorization. A volume of 55L of water was required for reprocessing one endoscope.ConclusionEach endoscopic procedure generated a significant amount of waste and water consumption during reprocessing. These real-life analyses are a pivotal step before implementing effective measures to improve resource utilization and more sustainable practices.

Dados da publicação

ISSN/ISSNe:
0954-691X, 1473-5687

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY  Lippincott Williams and Wilkins Ltd.

Tipo:
Article
Páginas:
39-44
Link para outro recurso:
www.scopus.com

Citações Recebidas na Web of Science: 1

Documentos

  • Não há documentos

Métricas

Filiações mostrar / ocultar

Keywords

  • climate change; endoscopy; medical waste; water consumption

Proyectos asociados

The contribution of endoscopic ultrasound and biomarkers in the management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and its precursor lesions.

Investigador Principal: Manuel Guilherme Gonçalves Macedo

Estudo Clínico Académico . 2023

Noninvasive serum biomarkers of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis

Investigador Principal: Manuel Guilherme Gonçalves Macedo

Estudo Clínico Académico . 2023

Otimização do rendimento da colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica na avaliação das estenoses pancreato-biliares indeterminadas

Investigador Principal: Manuel Guilherme Gonçalves Macedo

Estudo Clínico Académico . 2023

Endoscopic Treatment Of Upper Gastrointestinal Postsurgical Leaks

Investigador Principal: Manuel Guilherme Gonçalves Macedo

Estudo Clínico Académico . 2023

Citar a publicação

Partilhar a publicação