Reduction of clinical waste via hybrid laparoscopic instrument set

Reducing plastic waste in operating theatres through innovative reusable alternatives for gallbladder removal

The project 'Reduction of clinical waste via hybrid laparoscopic instrument set' is developing a sustainable standard instrument set for gallbladder removal. After a positive six-month evaluation, the model can be extended to other laparoscopic sets. The ultimate goal: to reduce waste production and hospital costs.

Some 160 000 laparoscopic procedures take place in Belgium every year. About 22 000 of these are gallbladder removals, making it the most common laparoscopic procedure in our country. Thus, due to the use of disposable materials, the environmental impact is huge. Therefore, the partners of the project 'Reduction of clinical waste via hybrid laparoscopic instrument set' are putting together sustainable sets of hybrid instruments that have less environmental impact by reducing plastic and clinical waste. Patient safety and comfort for OR staff will still be ensured.

During a first phase, single-use trocars, scissors and clipappliers will be replaced by hybrid alternatives. The figures show the impact of the equipment: the hybrid trocar, which combines reusable shafts and tips with disposable valves, will provide 73% less CO2 emissions and 85% less clinical waste. Semi-reusable scissors will provide 67% less CO2 and 59% less clinical waste. Finally, the reusable clipapplier with reloads will provide 83% less CO2 and 88% less clinical waste. With a successful evaluation after six months, the project will be extended to other sets, bringing major cost savings and waste reduction for hospitals.