ESCRS - FP04.11 - Carbon Footprint Assessment Of Cataract Surgery In The Surgicube

Carbon Footprint Assessment Of Cataract Surgery In The Surgicube

Published 2025 - 43rd Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: FP04.11 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/z5se-7n93

Authors: Mona El Zarif* 1 , Karim Abdul Jawad 2 , Jorge L. Alió 3 , Nehman Makdissy 4

1Division of Ophthalmology ,Miguel Hernández University,Elche,Spain;Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology,Lebanese University,hadath ,Lebanon;Genomic Surveillance and Biotherapy GSBT, Faculty of Sciences,Lebanese University,RasMaska,Lebanon; Research in Ophthalmology,Optica General,Saida,Lebanon, 2Research in Ophthalmology,Optica General,Saida,Lebanon, 3Division of Ophthalmology,Miguel Hernández University,Elche,Spain, 4Genomic Surveillance and Biotherapy GSBT, Faculty of Sciences,Lebanese University,RasMaska,Lebanon

Purpose

To evaluate the carbon footprint of cataract surgery performed in the Surgicube at the Rothschild Foundation Hospital.

Setting

We analyzed the carbon impact of cataract surgery performed at the Rothschild Hospital Foundation using the autonomous Surgicube surgical device and compared it with surgery conducted in a conventional operating room.

Methods

A comprehensive inventory of all consumables used during a surgical day in the Surgicube and a conventional operating room was compiled. Additionally, a life cycle analysis was conducted for reusable instruments and the sterilization process.

We also collected data on direct emissions related to the daily energy consumption of the operating room (heating, lighting, ventilation, etc.), the Surgicube itself, medical waste management.

The patient's journey within our facility during a cataract surgery visit was mapped to assess the impact of all perioperative consumables used (e.g., patient documents, disposable protective gowns, hair and shoe covers, etc.).

Finally, a statistical analysis was performed to compare both surgical procedures.

Results

TBD

Conclusions

This study represents the first evaluation of the carbon footprint of cataract surgery performed in the Surgicube.

Our findings will enable a direct comparison of the Surgicube’s environmental impact with that of a conventional operating room.

We aim to identify critical stages and key contributors to major emissions.

Furthermore, we will propose specific optimization strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of cataract surgeries.

Assessing ophthalmic surgical practices, particularly cataract surgery, through the lens of sustainable development is essential to minimizing environmental impact while maintaining high-quality patient care.