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Pongkunakorn A, Jutawiriyasakun M. Technical Properties and Biological Safety of Reprocessing Technique for a Handpiece of Disposable Pulsatile Lavage Device: An Experimental Study. Malays Orthop J 2024; 18:55-62. [PMID: 39130497 PMCID: PMC11315950 DOI: 10.5704/moj.2407.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bony surface cleaning using a pulse lavage device (PLD) is essential for modern cementation of hip and knee arthroplasties. This costly single-use device is a medical waste and unaffordable for some patients. Reprocessing is a worldwide standard strategy to solve this problem. To determine the technical properties and biological safety of a reprocessed PLD handpiece and compare its performance under different power supplies. Materials and Methods Eight brand-new disposable PLDs were tested for baseline technical properties (flow rate, pulse frequency, and peak pressure). Thereafter, they were reprocessed and retested for 10 rounds using two different power supplies. An adenosine triphosphate (ATP) swab test was performed on the PLD accessory parts after cleansing and disinfection. Passed-through isotonic sodium chloride solution ejected from the reprocessed PLD underwent aerobic bacterial culture. The unit costs of production were analysed. Results The mean flow rate of the disposable PLD (1.5±0.1 L/min) was less than that of reprocessed PLD using DC15V battery (2.5±0.3 L/min, p<0.001) and AC/DC15V3A adapter (6.1±0.4 L/min, p<0.001). The mean pulse frequency and peak pressure of the disposable PLD and reprocessed PLD using DC15V battery were not different (18.5±0.8 vs 18.8±2.5 Hz, p=0.155 and 0.37±0.04 vs 0.38±0.03 N/mm2, p=0.640, respectively), but were lower than those using AC/DC15V3A adapter (47.0±2.7 Hz, 0.45±0.03 N/mm2, p<0.001). All ATP swab tests, and aerobic fluid cultures yielded negative results. The total cost of reprocessing was 10% of disposable PLD. Conclusion A disposable PLD handpiece can be reprocessed without deteriorating its technical properties and used with either retrieved DC15V battery or AC/DC15V3A adapter for the power supply. As the biological safety of reprocessed and disposable PLDs was comparable, it may be clinically utilised with 90% cost reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pongkunakorn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lampang Hospital, Lampang, Thailand
| | - M Jutawiriyasakun
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lampang Hospital, Lampang, Thailand
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Kuruoğlu T, Önger ME, Altun G, Atilla A, Esen Ş. Detrimental Effects of Sterilization Types on Single-Use Coronary Angioplasty Catheters for Reuse: An Electron Microscopic Study. INFECTIOUS DISEASES & CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2024; 6:4-10. [PMID: 38633441 PMCID: PMC11019723 DOI: 10.36519/idcm.2024.252.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Objective Reuse of medical devices poses risks concerning technical issues and patient safety. In this study, we aimed to examine the structural changes in catheters that occur due to the reuse with the aid of electron microscopy. Materials and Methods The effects of hydrogen peroxide (HP) and ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization on four percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) catheters and control PTCA catheters were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Each catheter sample was divided into four parts during the SEM examination, and a total of 20 pieces were examined. Catheters were reprocessed through every regular sterilization step and used solely for the study, not in patients. Statistical evaluations of histological scoring made on images obtained from scanning electron microscopic images were made using the GraphPad Prism 8 program. Results Electron microscopical examination showed that HP sterilization caused more robust and deeper lines compared to EO. These distortions increased directly with the increase in the reprocessing cycle. In EO, no significant damage was detected within five cycles in contrast to HP; however, the harmful effects of EO were seen over five cycles. Unprocessed samples had no damage. Outer and inner deterioration was significantly higher in the EO>5 group and HP>5 group than in the control group. However, the bacterial contamination score in the EO>5 group was higher than the control group. Conclusion Our findings showed that HP and EO sterilizations caused some deterioration in the inner and outer surfaces of PTCA catheter samples. We recommend reprocessing using EO, the least damaging method, when necessary, and paying attention not to exceed five cycles when necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Kuruoğlu
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Ondokuz Mayıs University School of Medicine, Samsun, Türkiye
| | - Mehmet Emin Önger
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ondokuz Mayıs University School of Medicine, Samsun, Türkiye
| | - Gamze Altun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ondokuz Mayıs University School of Medicine, Samsun, Türkiye
| | - Aynur Atilla
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Ondokuz Mayıs University School of Medicine, Samsun, Türkiye
| | - Şaban Esen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Ondokuz Mayıs University School of Medicine, Samsun, Türkiye
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Ghorai RP, Kumar R. Reuse of Single-Use Devices in Endourology: A Review. J Endourol 2024; 38:68-76. [PMID: 37885229 DOI: 10.1089/end.2023.0367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Single-use medical devices (SUDs) are labeled for single use only, but rising health care costs along with the absence of visible deterioration in the quality of SUDs after one use have led to their reprocessing and reuse. In the past, SUDs mainly consisted of equipment such as guidewires and catheters. However, SUDs have now expanded to flexible endoscopes and energy devices that are much more expensive. Reuse of such devices raises concerns of infection transmission, safety, and lack of effectiveness. We reviewed the disinfection process, cost benefits, potential harms, and legal status of the reuse of SUDs in endourology. Materials and Methods: PUBMED, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles published between 1970 and March 2023 that reported the reuse of SUDs using the search terms "reuse"; "single-use device"; "disposable medical devices"; "reprocessing of single-use device"; "endourology"; and keywords related to cost, safety, sterilization, and legal status. Online resources were found using Google search engines. Articles on cost savings, device malfunction, disinfection, or legal status in different countries were reviewed. Results and Conclusions: Reusing SUDs has financial, environmental, and practical advantages. The potential savings on medical expenses is the most compelling argument for reprocessing disposable devices. Reusing medical equipment also contributes to the reduction of toxic biodegradable waste. However, there is a scarcity of data on the safety and efficacy of reused SUDs. For patient safety and to avoid complications, the practice must be regulated with established reprocessing standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudra Prasad Ghorai
- Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Kumar
- Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Chambon M, Elberse JE, Dalege J, Beijer NRM, van Harreveld F. Understanding public perceptions toward sustainable healthcare through psychological network analysis of material preference and attitudes toward plastic medical devices. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17938. [PMID: 37864068 PMCID: PMC10589264 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45172-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent and potential future health-care users (i.e., the public) are important stakeholders in the transition toward environmentally sustainable healthcare. However, it remains unclear whether, according to the public, there is room for sustainable innovations in materials for plastic medical devices (PMD). This study explores preferences regarding conventional or bio-based PMD, and psychological mechanisms underlying these preferences. We administered two surveys among Dutch adults from a research panel. Results from the first survey (i.e., open-text survey on attitude elements; NStudy1 = 66) served as input for the second survey (i.e., Likert-scale survey on beliefs, emotions, perceived control, social norms, trust, related to current and bio-based PMD, and health and age; NStudy2 = 1001; Mage = 47.35; 54.4% female). The second survey was completed by 501 participants who, in the last two years, received care in which PMD were used, and 500 participants who did not. Cross-sectional psychological networks were estimated with data from the second study using the EBICglasso method. Results showed that participants preferred bio-based over conventional PMD, and this applied regardless of whether devices are used inside or outside of the body. Results also showed emotions play an important role, with emotions regarding bio-based PMD being strongly related to preference. Furthermore, comparing recent and potential future receivers of PMD revealed differences in preference but comparable relations between preference and other psychological variables. This study shows that receivers' perspectives should not be seen as potential barriers, but as additional motivation for transitioning toward sustainable healthcare. Recommendations for implementation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Chambon
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Janneke E Elberse
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Nick R M Beijer
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Frenk van Harreveld
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ditac G, Cottinet PJ, Quyen Le M, Grinberg D, Duchateau J, Gardey K, Dulac A, Delinière A, Haddad C, Boussuge-Roze J, Sacher F, Jaïs P, Chevalier P, Bessière F. Carbon footprint of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation. Europace 2023; 25:331-340. [PMID: 36107465 PMCID: PMC10103577 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Climate change represents the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. Health care system is itself a large contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In cardiology, atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation is an increasing activity using numerous non-reusable materials that could contribute to GHG emission. Determining a detailed carbon footprint analysis of an AF catheter ablation procedure allows the identification of the main polluting sources that give opportunities for reduction of environmental impact. To assess the carbon footprint of AF catheter ablation procedure. To determine priority actions to decrease pollution. METHODS AND RESULTS An eco-audit method used to predict the GHG emission of an AF catheter ablation procedure was investigated. Two workstations were considered including surgery and anaesthesia. In the operating room, every waste produced by single-use medical devices, pharmaceutical drugs, and energy consumption during intervention were evaluated. All analyses were limited to the operating room. Thirty procedures were analysed over a period of 8 weeks: 18 pulmonary veins isolation RF ablations, 7 complex RF procedures including PVI, roof and mitral isthmus lines, ethanol infusion of the Marshall vein and cavo tricuspid isthmus line, and 5 pulmonary vein isolation with cryoballoon. The mean emission during AF catheter ablation procedures was 76.9 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e). The operating field accounted for 75.4% of the carbon footprint, while only 24.6% for the anaesthesia workstation. On one hand, material production and manufacturing were the most polluting phases of product life cycle which, respectively, represented 71.3% (54.8 kg of CO2-e) and 17.0% (13.1 kg of CO2-e) of total pollution. On the other hand, transport contributed in 10.6% (8.1 kg of CO2-e), while product use resulted in 1.1% (0.9 kg of CO2-e) of GHG production. Electrophysiology catheters were demonstrated to be the main contributors of environmental impact with 29.9 kg of CO2-e (i.e. 38.8%). Three dimensional mapping system and electrocardiogram patches were accounting for 6.8 kg of CO2-e (i.e. 8.8% of total). CONCLUSION AF catheter ablation involves a mean of 76.9 kg of CO2-e. With an estimated 600 000 annual worldwide procedures, the environmental impact of AF catheter ablation activity is estimated equal to 125 tons of CO2 emission each day. It represents an equivalent of 700 000 km of car ride every day. Electrophysiology catheters and patches are the main contributors of the carbon footprint. The focus must be on reducing, reusing, and recycling these items to limit the impact of AF ablation on the environment. A road map of steps to implement in different time frames is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffroy Ditac
- Department of Electrophysiology, Hôpital Cardiologique Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 28 avenue du Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Pierre-Jean Cottinet
- INSA-Lyon, LGEF, Université de Lyon, 20 Av. Albert Einstein, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Minh Quyen Le
- INSA-Lyon, LGEF, Université de Lyon, 20 Av. Albert Einstein, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Daniel Grinberg
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Hôpital Cardiologique Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 28 avenue du Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Josselin Duchateau
- Department of electrophysiology, CHU Bordeaux, Université de Bordeaux, IHU LIRYC, Av. du Haut Lévêque, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Kévin Gardey
- Department of Electrophysiology, Hôpital Cardiologique Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 28 avenue du Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Arnaud Dulac
- Department of Electrophysiology, Hôpital Cardiologique Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 28 avenue du Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Antoine Delinière
- Department of Electrophysiology, Hôpital Cardiologique Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 28 avenue du Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Christelle Haddad
- Department of Electrophysiology, Hôpital Cardiologique Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 28 avenue du Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Julie Boussuge-Roze
- Department of electrophysiology, CHU Bordeaux, Université de Bordeaux, IHU LIRYC, Av. du Haut Lévêque, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Frédéric Sacher
- Department of electrophysiology, CHU Bordeaux, Université de Bordeaux, IHU LIRYC, Av. du Haut Lévêque, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Pierre Jaïs
- Department of electrophysiology, CHU Bordeaux, Université de Bordeaux, IHU LIRYC, Av. du Haut Lévêque, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Philippe Chevalier
- Department of Electrophysiology, Hôpital Cardiologique Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 28 avenue du Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Francis Bessière
- Department of Electrophysiology, Hôpital Cardiologique Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 28 avenue du Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69003 Lyon, France
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Bayrak T, Soylu SI. Reprocessing of single use medical devices: A new proposal for a regulation. HEALTH POLICY AND TECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlpt.2021.100553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Psaltikidis EM, Costa EAM, Graziano KU. Reuse of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: systematic review, meta-analysis and quality assessment of the body of evidence. Expert Rev Med Devices 2021; 18:553-567. [PMID: 33969787 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2021.1927706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pacemakers (PMs) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have reduced mortality and improved the quality of life of cardiac patients. However, the high cost of these devices prevents their large-scale incorporation, particularly in low-income countries, where reusing explanted PMs/ICDs has become an alternative. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted of studies that compare infection rates, device-related deaths, malfunction and premature battery depletion in patients with reused PM and ICD implants and those with new devices. The quality of the body of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. RESULTS The meta-analysis demonstrated no significant intergroup differences in infection rates (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.60-1.60), device malfunction (OR 1.58; 95% CI 0.56-4.48) or premature battery depletion (OR 1.96; 95% CI 0.81-4.72) and no device-related deaths. Based on GRADE assessment, confidence in estimates for the outcomes infection rate and device-related death was rated as moderate. CONCLUSION The results of this analysis enabled us to conclude that PMs and ICDs can be safely and effectively reused. As such, every effort should be made to overcome regulatory, technical and ethical barriers to ensure implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Molina Psaltikidis
- Hospital Epidemiology Department - Hospital Infection Control and Health Technology Assessment Department, Clinical Hospital of the University of Campinas - Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Kenny C, Priyadarshini A. Review of Current Healthcare Waste Management Methods and Their Effect on Global Health. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:284. [PMID: 33807606 PMCID: PMC7999172 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9030284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare is a rapidly growing industry as medical treatments become more sophisticated, more in demand due to increasing incidence of chronic disease and more widely available worldwide. This booming industry is also creating more waste than ever before and, as such, there is a growing need to treat and dispose of this waste. Healthcare waste (HCW) disposal includes a multitude of disposal methods, including incineration, landfilling and chemical treatments. These rudimentary methods and their growing use present their own problems that negatively impact both the environment and, in turn, damage public health, thus contributing to a global healthcare crisis. The aim of this review was to examine the current HCW disposal methods in place and the harmful effects they have on the environment and on public health. The findings accumulated in this review demonstrate a heavy reliance on basic, low tech HCW disposal techniques and uncovered the negative impacts of these methods. There is a notable lack of employment of "greener" HCW disposal methods on a largescale due to cost, access and feasibility. Despite innovations in HCW disposal, there is no scalable, global green solution at present. Further, the review highlights that global health consequences of HCW disposal methods often differ depending on how developed the country is.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kenny
- College of Business, Technological University Dublin, 2 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Anushree Priyadarshini
- College of Business, Technological University Dublin, 2 Dublin, Ireland;
- Environment Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, 7 Dublin, Ireland
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Exner M, Bhattacharya S, Gebel J, Goroncy-Bermes P, Hartemann P, Heeg P, Ilschner C, Kramer A, Ling ML, Merkens W, Oltmanns P, Pitten F, Rotter M, Schmithausen RM, Sonntag HG, Steinhauer K, Trautmann M. Chemical disinfection in healthcare settings: critical aspects for the development of global strategies. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2020; 15:Doc36. [PMID: 33520601 PMCID: PMC7818848 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Chemical disinfection is an indispensable means of preventing infection. This holds true for healthcare settings, but also for all other settings where transmission of pathogens poses a potential health risk to humans and/or animals. Research on how to ensure effectiveness of disinfectants and the process of disinfection, as well as on when, how and where to implement disinfection precautions is an ongoing challenge requiring an interdisciplinary team effort. The valuable resources of active substances used for disinfection must be used wisely and their interaction with the target organisms and the environment should be evaluated and monitored closely, if we are to reliable reap the benefits of disinfection in future generations. In view of the global threat of communicable diseases and emerging and re-emerging pathogens and multidrug-resistant pathogens, the relevance of chemical disinfection is continually increasing. Although this consensus paper pinpoints crucial aspects for strategies of chemical disinfection in terms of the properties of disinfectant agents and disinfection practices in a particularly vulnerable group and setting, i.e., patients in healthcare settings, it takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to do justice to the complexity of the topic of disinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Exner
- Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Gebel
- Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Philippe Hartemann
- Departement Environnement et Santé Publique S.E.R.E.S., Faculté de Médecine, Nancy, France
| | - Peter Heeg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carola Ilschner
- Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Axel Kramer
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Moi Lin Ling
- Infection Prevention & Control, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | | | - Frank Pitten
- IKI – Institut für Krankenhaushygiene & Infektionskontrolle GmbH, Gießen, Germany
| | | | | | - Hans-Günther Sonntag
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany
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Comparison of new versus reused Harmonic scalpel performance in laparoscopic appendectomy in patients with acute appendicitis-a randomized clinical trial. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2020; 406:153-162. [PMID: 33241426 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-020-02039-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare lateral thermal damage of the appendix and clinical outcomes after laparoscopic appendectomy using new versus reused Harmonic scalpels. METHODS A total of 100 consecutive patients with acute appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy were enrolled in the two-center, randomized clinical trial. Using a computer random number generator, patients were allocated to new or reused group. Histopathological measurement of lateral thermal damage of the appendiceal base and mesoappendix, speed of transection of the appendiceal base, duration of surgery, subjective rating of device functionality, length of hospital stay, and complications were compared within groups. RESULTS The median lateral thermal damage on the appendiceal base in the new group (N = 49) was 0.2 mm (IQR 0.1-0.2) and 0.1 mm (IQR 0.1-0.3) in the reused group (N = 51) (P = 0.644), while on the mesoappendix for both groups, thermal damage was 0.1 mm (IQR 0.1-0.2) (P = 0.418). The median time required for base transection in both groups was 8 s (IQR 7-9) (P = 0.776). The median duration of surgery was also comparable between the groups (22 min, IQR 20-30 vs 25 min, IQR 21-35; P = 0.233). Two postoperative complications in the new group and one in the reused group were recorded (4% vs 2%; P = 0.536). Surgeons' subjective assessment of the instrument did not reveal significant difference between the groups in all of the investigated categories. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study support the reuse of Harmonic scalpels especially in the settings where economic constraints might hamper access to minimally invasive surgery to a larger number of patients. The results obtained on laparoscopic appendectomy might not be reproducible to other more demanding surgical procedures. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov registry under identifier NCT04226482.
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11
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Considerations for environmentally sustainable head and neck surgical oncology practice. Am J Otolaryngol 2020; 41:102719. [PMID: 32947153 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potential role of head and neck oncologic surgeons in environmental protection, sustainability of health-care systems and avoidance of procedures contributing to climate change in the future. REVIEW METHODS This literature review searched for relevant literature about the relevance of waste in surgical head and neck oncology practice and the innovative alternatives to decrease its effect on environment. CONCLUSIONS Head and neck oncologic surgeons have a role in environmental protection, sustainability of health-care systems and avoidance of procedures contributing to climate change in the future. However, there exist only limited data on waste management and other procedures in surgical oncology to promote these practices. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE By increasing awareness of the corresponding issues of waste production within the healthcare environment, head and neck surgeons can have a pioneering role in considering how to reduce, recycle and reuse in a more efficient manner. As research in this field accumulates, healthcare providers can engage both managers and clinicians in this process. It remains imperative to provide these professionals opportunities for their work force to rethink current practices in a manner that prioritizes environmentally sustainable head and neck surgical practices.
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Rizan C, Mortimer F, Stancliffe R, Bhutta MF. Plastics in healthcare: time for a re-evaluation. J R Soc Med 2020; 113:49-53. [PMID: 32031491 PMCID: PMC7068768 DOI: 10.1177/0141076819890554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chantelle Rizan
- Department of ENT, Brighton and Sussex
University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton BN2 5BE, UK,Centre for Sustainable Healthcare,
Oxford OX2 7JQ, UK,Royal College of Surgeons of England,
London WC2A 3PE, UK,Chantelle Rizan.
| | | | | | - Mahmood F Bhutta
- Department of ENT, Brighton and Sussex
University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton BN2 5BE, UK,BMA Medical Fair and Ethical Trade
Group, British Medical Association, London WC1H 9JP, UK
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