Verso un approccio sostenibile: la Green Surgery nella sala operatoria ginecologica di un centro di riferimento terziario.

OBJECTIVE: Climate change has immediate effects on women’s health. Hospitals and operating rooms are major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and waste. This study aims to reduce the environmental impact of gynecologic surgery through a structured approach involving three key strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective experimental study in the operating rooms (ORs) of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic at Padua University Hospital. The study was structured into three phases: (1) an initial assessment of waste production, (2) training and education of the Green Team, and (3) evaluation of waste production and the use of single-use versus reusable instruments after Green Team implementation. At the end of these three phases, data analysis was performed with a particular focus on environmental impact, measured in terms of CO₂ emissions, and cost savings. RESULTS: Regarding data analysis in terms of waste reduction, CO₂ savings, and cost savings, 193 Minor Surgery procedures were performed, leading to a total waste reduction of 131.99 kg. In Medium Surgery, 230 procedures resulted in a reduction of 100.79 kg, while in Major Surgery, 162 procedures led to a waste reduction of 45.48 kg. Overall, across all categories, a total of 278.26 kg of waste was eliminated from 585 surgeries. The cumulative CO₂ reduction amounted to 1,148.26 kg, with total cost savings of €267.81 from waste reduction efforts. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that through teamwork and the establishment of a Green Team, it is possible to achieve a significant reduction in waste, leading to a decrease in CO₂ emissions and cost savings.