Ryu Kihyun, Yoon Won Jae, Kim Sang Hoon, Park Da Hee, Park Jin Hwa, Bang Ki Bae, Jeon Tae Joo, Jung Da Hyun, Cho Young Sin
Department of Gastroenterology, Konyang University Myunggok Medical Research Institute, Daejeon, Korea.
Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Clin Endosc. 2025 Jul;58(4):493-502. doi: 10.5946/ce.2024.332. Epub 2025 May 21.
The increasing global emphasis on sustainability has extended its influence to the field of medicine, including endoscopy. Green endoscopy aims to minimize the environmental footprint of endoscopic practices while maintaining high standards of patient care. This review examines the current status of green endoscopy, focusing on its environmental impact, strategies for waste reduction, and adoption of sustainable practices. The key topics include the environmental challenges posed by single-use devices, the role of sterilization and recycling, and innovations in energy-efficient endoscopic equipment. Furthermore, we highlight policy recommendations and actionable strategies for healthcare systems to transition toward green practices. By integrating these approaches, the field of endoscopy can meaningfully contribute to global sustainability efforts without compromising clinical outcomes.
全球对可持续性的日益重视已将其影响扩展到医学领域，包括内窥镜检查。绿色内窥镜检查旨在在保持高标准患者护理的同时，尽量减少内窥镜操作对环境的影响。本综述探讨了绿色内窥镜检查的现状，重点关注其环境影响、减少废物的策略以及可持续实践的采用。关键主题包括一次性设备带来的环境挑战、消毒和回收的作用以及节能内窥镜设备的创新。此外，我们强调了医疗系统向绿色实践转变的政策建议和可行策略。通过整合这些方法，内窥镜检查领域可以在不影响临床结果的情况下，为全球可持续发展做出有意义的贡献。
