Environmental Sustainability of Abdominal Wall Surgery – Inguinal Hernia: A Study Proposal

Abstract Background Inguinal hernia surgery is a common surgical procedure worldwide, with over twenty million surgeries being performed annually. However, healthcare delivery contributes significantly to pollution, accounting for 5 to 8% of greenhouse gas emissions in developed countries. This project aims to evaluate the environmental effects of inguinal hernia surgery throughout the patient's journey and identify opportunities for optimization. Method This study involves a process-based, multicenter evaluation of ten consecutive patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery. It examines three key phases: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. Critical variables for each phase were identified and measured according to established guidelines. Boundaries were set to include all relevant and achievable information. Results A structured form was developed with specific fields and detailed instructions for each phase. Preoperative data includes the number of consultations, commutes, and exams. Intraoperative data encompasses the number of personnel involved, the volume of anaesthetic gas used, and the quantification of surgical waste. Postoperative data includes the number of wound care treatments, consultations, and commutes. Direct emissions and primary and secondary process activity data will be measured, such as waste management, energy consumption, and commute estimation. Conclusion Environmental sustainability is increasingly recognized as crucial across all human activities, including healthcare. With the global population exceeding 8 billion, prioritizing health without considering environmental impact is no longer acceptable, especially if it does not provide significant value. Abdominal wall surgery, given its prevalence, offers an opportunity to optimize resources and reduce the environmental impact of healthcare.