Clinical audit of surgical waste reduction in an equine theatre

Abstract

Summary Background Operating theatres are major generators of waste and greenhouse gases. Objectives To assess the effects of training and introduction of reusable surgical textiles on the amounts of waste generated in equine surgeries. Study design Clinical audit. Methods The weights/types of waste from equine orthopaedic, colic, soft tissue and arthroscopic surgeries (convenience sampling) were audited during three 6‐month periods: period 1, prior to intervention; period 2, following training/education of teams about waste segregation; period 3, following introduction of reusable surgical textiles (drapes, gowns and instrument packaging). Results In all surgery types, the mean total waste mass in period 3 was lower than the other two time periods. For all surgery types, the mean percentage of the waste that was offensive reduced from period 1 to period 2, followed by a further reduction in period 3. In all surgery types, the mean percentage of domestic waste was higher in period 3 than in period 1. The mean percentage of recyclable waste was lower during period 3 than during period 2. Main limitations Low numbers of surgeries. Conclusions Education and training of surgical teams on appropriate waste segregation and introduction of reusable surgical textiles resulted in reduced total waste and offensive waste, and increased domestic waste generated in equine surgery. These changes have reduced the carbon footprint of equine surgery in this theatre, consistent with published life cycle analyses demonstrating that appropriate segregation of waste into lower‐carbon disposal streams, and the adoption of reusable surgical textiles, substantially reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of surgical waste management.