Sustainability in Surgery

Dr. Wright is the Director of the Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She has served on various hospital committees regarding patient safety and cost-optimization. She actively researches operating room cost-effectiveness and waste minimization, most recently publishing a manuscript titled, “Sustainability in Healthcare: A Call to Action for Surgeons and Healthcare Leaders.”

Drs. Park and Hoffman begin the episode by asking Dr. Wright to bring to light the overall carbon footprint of healthcare in both the US and the world, as well as what should be included in biohazardous waste containers in the operating room (OR). During this conversation, Dr. Wright demystifies the common assumption that single-use products are related to better patient outcomes postoperatively. The group then breaks down the utilization of reusable, re-processable instruments in the OR, ultimately agreeing upon a reduced carbon footprint when using these products in comparison to those that are single-use.

Dr. Wright further explains what surgeons can do in order to mitigate these issues. She discusses various approaches at the individual, institutional, and federal levels. She highlights options that include making conscious efforts to reduce waste, demanding the industry to develop reusable products, and advocate for tighter regulation to reduce carbon emissions in hospital facilities. Throughout the episode, Dr. Wright charges listeners to collaborate with members of their institutions / hospitals who are directly involved in OR waste (e.g. human factors groups, quality and safety officers, heads of linen services) to find ways to mitigate waste and engage in sustainable practices.