Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Spinal Surgery: Patient-Centered Care and Social Contribution

Background

In recent years, achieving a sustainable society has become an international challenge. The medical field is also being called upon to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, awareness of the SDGs in Japan is low, and relevant efforts in the healthcare sector are particularly lagging behind. This study aimed to describe the relationship between spinal surgery and the SDGs and to raise awareness regarding it in Japan.

Methods

1) Literature review: PubMed was used to search for literature using the 2 keywords “spinal surgery” and “SDGs.” Additional literature search was conducted using the 2 keywords “spinal surgery” and “climate change” and “spinal surgery” and “environmental impact.” 2) Data analysis: We analyzed the energy consumption, medical waste management, and carbon dioxide emissions related to surgery at Makita General Hospital. Surgery-related carbon dioxide emissions were evaluated in a study on gas anesthesia among general anesthetics and in a study on the travel patterns of patients who underwent lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. 3) Discussion: Based on the results of the literature review and data analysis, we discussed the potential of spinal surgery to contribute to achieving the SDGs.

Results

Spinal surgery is an important medical field that contributes to improving people’s health and quality of daily living. It can potentially contribute to at least 10 of the 17 SDGs. However, awareness of the SDGs is low in Japan and lags far behind that in developed countries.

Conclusions

Spinal surgery can potentially contribute significantly to achieving the SDGs. Japanese spinal surgeons can help in achieving a sustainable society by raising awareness of the SDGs and taking proactive action.