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Environmental sustainability

Sustainability Research Reveals Environmental and Economic Advantages of Reusable Fiberendoscopes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A study published in the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases has shed light on the ecological footprint of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) procedures in the assessment of obstructive sleep apnea. The research, conducted at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers in France, compared the environmental, economic, and social impact of DISE between disposable and reusable fiberendoscopes. The study revealed that reusable fiberendoscopes offer clear environmental and economic advantages over disposable ones without compromising clinical outcome.

Key Takeaways:

  • The baseline carbon footprint of a DISE procedure (excluding the endoscope) was 23.95kgCOeq, whereas using a disposable fiberendoscope increased the total footprint to 65.05kgCOeq, and a reusable endoscope resulted in an extra 14.18kgCOeq.
  • Financially, a single procedure cost €206 with the disposable device versus €17.60 with the reusable one.
  • Professionals associated reusable fiberendoscopes with better quality, ecological benefit, and lower cost, but noted concerns about infection control and the complexity of sterilization.
  • Disposable devices were preferred for their ease of use but criticized for their environmental and economic impact.
  • Reusable fiberendoscopes can help reduce the ecological footprint of healthcare systems while maintaining high-quality care.
  • The study concludes that promoting the use of reusable fiberendoscopes can have a significant impact on sustainability in healthcare.

Statistics:

  • The carbon footprint of a single DISE procedure with a disposable fiberendoscope is 65.05kgCOeq.
  • The financial cost of a single procedure with a disposable device is €206.
  • The financial cost of a single procedure with a reusable device is €17.60.
  • Reusable fiberendoscopes resulted in extra 14.18kgCOeq of carbon footprint compared to disposable fiberendoscopes.
  • 10 DISE procedures were analyzed in the study.

Sources:

  • Impact of drug-induced sleep endoscopy on sustainability: A STROBE-analysis. European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases, 2025.
  • European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases can be contacted at: Elsevier Masson, Corp Off, 65 Camille Desmoulins CS50083 Issy-Les-Moulineaux, 92442 Paris, France.

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