Rationalization of surgery trays: eco-responsibility in the head-and-neck operating room - 14/11/26
Abstract |
Purpose |
To adopt an eco-responsible approach in the operating room by reducing the carbon footprint and costs associated with reprocessing surgical trays.
Materials and methods |
A prospective study was conducted from May to September 2025, with 30 head-and-neck surgical trays. Actual use of instruments was tracked during 187 procedures. A multidisciplinary review by surgeons and pharmacists validated the removal of unnecessary instruments. The impact on weight, storage and billing in work units (WU) was assessed.
Objectives |
To identify and systematically eliminate unused instruments in order to streamline trays, optimize sterilization and prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
Results |
Of the 1,494 initial instruments, 227 were removed (15.2%), resulting in a weight reduction of 9.88 kg. The average rationalization time was 20 minutes per tray. For 4 tonsillectomy boxes, container size was reduced, doubling storage and autoclaving capacity per shelf. For neck dissection and neck surgery boxes, a direct saving of €2,672 over the year was calculated based on WUs.
Conclusion |
The rationalization of head-and-neck surgery trays was a concrete measure of eco-design in healthcare. It required close collaboration between surgeons and sterilization staff to combine environmental and economic benefits with improved working conditions.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Surgical instrumentation, Sustainable development, Sterilization, Eco-responsibility
Plan
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