Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Environmental Impact of Different Surgical Modalities of Hysterectomies

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated from nonreusable waste and compare across different types of hysterectomies for benign and malignant indications. Overall greenhouse gas emissions were not examined. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study that identified women undergoing a robotic assisted, laparoscopic, vaginal, or abdominal hysterectomy for any indication. The amount of waste generated was collected for each case, along with patient demographics, and details of the procedure. Weight of waste was converted to kilograms of CO2 emissions using the following formula: Carbon dioxide emissions = Waste in pounds × 1 Short ton=2000 pounds × Emission factor ðkg CO2 =short tonÞ × Global warming potential ðGWPÞ We extrapolated the amount of CO2 emissions produced to the number of hysterectomies performed annually in the United States. Results: We found that robotic hysterectomies generated the highest mean CO2 emissions (12.01 kg CO2), while vaginal hysterectomies produced the lowest mean CO2 emissions of 4.48 kg (p