Swiecki-Sikora Allison L, Becker Mariel V, Harbin Laura M, Knapp Elizabeth, Nair Rashmi T, Guzman Marcelo I, Atwood David A, Ali Syed Z, Dietrich Charles S
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536, United States.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536, United States.
Gynecol Oncol Rep. 2024 Sep 10;55:101499. doi: 10.1016/j.gore.2024.101499. eCollection 2024 Oct.
Climate change is a complex, global issue that is impacting human health in various ways, with healthcare being a significant contributor to carbon emissions in the United States. This review discusses the environmental impact of important aspects of gynecologic oncology care, including surgery, anesthesia care, radiology, chemotherapy, and radiation oncology. Operating room energy and material use is highlighted, with a focus on the environmental impact of robotic surgery. The contribution of certain anesthetic gases in increasing greenhouse gas emissions is addressed. Additionally, the environmental impacts of radiologic imaging, chemotherapy, and radiation oncology are also discussed. Despite the complexity of climate change, there are multiple strategies on the individual and institutional level that can help mitigate the environmental impact of gynecologic oncology care. Individual efforts include practicing red bag stewardship, limiting single use-supplies, decreasing the use of potentially deleterious anesthetics, and supporting research into alternative dosing for chemotherapy and radiation which requires less patient travel. Institutional strategies include investing in efficient HVAC systems, utilizing reusable and reprocessed materials and devices, and purchasing renewable energy sources. Both individuals and institutions can advocate with industry and government at all levels for practices and policies that support lower carbon emissions. By recognizing our role in reducing carbon emissions, we can work towards improving the well-being of our patients and the larger community.
气候变化是一个复杂的全球性问题，正以各种方式影响着人类健康，而在美国，医疗保健是碳排放的重要来源。本综述讨论了妇科肿瘤护理重要方面的环境影响，包括手术、麻醉护理、放射学、化疗和放射肿瘤学。重点介绍了手术室的能源和材料使用情况，尤其关注机器人手术的环境影响。探讨了某些麻醉气体在增加温室气体排放方面的作用。此外，还讨论了放射成像、化疗和放射肿瘤学的环境影响。尽管气候变化很复杂，但在个人和机构层面有多种策略可帮助减轻妇科肿瘤护理的环境影响。个人努力包括实行红色垃圾袋管理、限制一次性用品的使用、减少使用潜在有害的麻醉剂，以及支持对减少患者出行需求的化疗和放疗替代剂量的研究。机构策略包括投资高效的暖通空调系统、使用可重复使用和再加工的材料及设备，以及购买可再生能源。个人和机构都可以在各级与行业和政府倡导支持降低碳排放的做法和政策。通过认识到我们在减少碳排放中的作用，我们可以努力改善患者和更广泛社区的福祉。
