SP1.09 Carbon Footprint of Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Repair for Inguinal Hernia- Single Centre tertiary care experience

Abstract Aim To calculate the carbon footprint (CF) of Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair (LIHR) in a tertiary care NHS foundation trust. Methods Data for CF was collected for 11 patients undergoing LIHR between November 16, 2024, and January 20, 2025. This included the impact of personal protective equipment (PPE), pre-set surgical instruments, additional materials and CO2 used for pneumoperitoneum. The electrical consumption of the laparoscopic stack was measured using plug-in meters. Overhead energy use, including HVAC systems, was calculated from the 2022/2023 National Estates Returns dataset, averaged per square meter and unit of time for the hospital. Results Contribution of various components of CF was as follows: pre-set equipment and materials accounted for 62.03% (13,696.57 gCO2), variable equipment and materials for 3.81% (842 gCO2), PPE and scrubs for 10.38% (2,292 gCO2), CO2 for pneumoperitoneum for 1.94% (492.02 gCO2), electrical consumption of the stack for 1.02% (225.4 gCO2), and HVAC systems for 20.36% (4595 gCO2). Its 22.08kg roughly equivalent to driving a car for 81 kilometres in an average passenger car. Extrapolating to 28,000 LIHR procedures annually in the UK, the total CO2 emissions are around 616 metric tons, requiring approximately 27997 trees to offset. Conclusion Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Using reusable instruments and materials offers a viable strategy to reduce its environmental footprint. Manufacturers of surgical equipment and materials must provide greater transparency. This study excluded emissions from anaesthesia and pre-operative materials, as they were beyond its scope.