Carbon footprint of common procedures in inflammatory bowel disease

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the environmental impact, primarily the carbon footprint of the most common procedures in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

In this study, all processes and products used during a total of eight laparoscopic ileocecal resections (ICRs) in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), eight laparoscopic subtotal colectomies (STCs) for ulcerative colitis (UC), and eight ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedures in patients with Crohn’s perianal fistula (PAF) (all in adults ≥ 16 years) between March 2023 and May 2024 were collected. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted, mean CO² emission rates were calculated, the major contributors (“hotspots”) were determined, and midpoint/endpoint analysis was performed.

Results

The mean total carbon footprints of laparoscopic ICR, STC, and LIFT were, respectively, 104 kg, 116 kg, and 43.6 kg CO²eq, equaling one-way trips by airplane from Amsterdam to Paris, to Manchester, and to Düsseldorf, respectively. The main contributors in laparoscopic ICR and STC were transport of employees and patients (48% and 49%, respectively), energy use in the theater (21% and 27%, respectively), and the use of surgical equipment (14% and 17%, respectively). In LIFT procedures, transport of employees/patients accounted for 47% of total emission rates, followed by the use of surgical equipment (28%), and electricity use in the theater (13%). Besides the impact on global warming, significant impact on fine particulate matter formation, land use, terrestrial acidification, and fossil resource scarcity was identified. Endpoint analysis showed an amount of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of approximately 2 h of health damage per laparoscopic ICR/STC and 47 min per LIFT.

Conclusions

The carbon footprint of three commonly performed IBD surgeries is mainly determined by transportation of patients/healthcare personnel, followed by electricity and material use. The latter two vary with the complexity of the surgeries. IBD surgeons should focus on minimizing energy resources and using standard surgical materials. Also, employees should be encouraged to travel by foot/bicycle/public transport/carpooling/electric car.