Potential Carbon Savings with Day-case Compared to Inpatient Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour Surgery in England: A Retrospective Observational Study Using Administrative Data.

Background

The National Health Service (NHS) in England has set a net-zero target for carbon emissions by 2040. Increasing use of day-case surgery pathways may help in meeting this target.

Objective

To investigate the estimated difference in carbon footprint between day-case and inpatient transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) surgery in England.

Design setting and participants

This was a retrospective analysis of administrative data extracted from the Hospital Episode Statistics database for all TURBT procedures conducted in England from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2022.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Day-case and inpatient TURBT procedures were identified and the carbon footprint for key elements of the surgical pathway was estimated using data from Greener NHS and the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition.

Results and limitations

Of 209 269 TURBT procedures identified, 41 583 (20%) were classified as day-case surgery. The day-case rate increased from 13% in 2013-2014 to 31% in 2021-2022. The move from inpatient stays to day-case surgery between 2013-2014 and 2021-2022 demonstrates a trend toward a lower-carbon pathway, with an estimated saving of 2.9 million kg CO

Conclusions

Our study highlights potential NHS carbon savings that could be achieved by moving from inpatient stays to day-case surgery. Reducing variation in care across the NHS and encouraging all hospitals to adopt day-case surgeries, where clinically appropriate, would lead to further carbon savings.

Patient summary

In this study we estimated the potential for carbon savings if patient undergoing bladder tumour surgery were admitted and discharged on the same day. We estimate that increasing use of day-case surgery between 2013-2014 and 2021-2022 has saved 2.9 million kg CO

Informations de copyright

© 2023 The Authors.