Removal of desflurane vaporisers and staff training significantly reduces emissions of anaesthesia department: Study

Recent study focuses on the impact of reducing desflurane use in anaesthetic clinics to lower greenhouse gas emissions. By implementing interventions like dismounting desflurane vaporisers and educating staff members, the study aimed to assess the effectiveness of reducing emissions without restricting desflurane use. Conducted in a German university hospital over a 12-month period, the study found a significant reduction of 86% in hypnotic-related emissions per anaesthetic procedure compared to the year before interventions. Interestingly, there was already a 52.1% reduction in emissions in the year preceding the study. The study highlighted the importance of addressing the environmental impact of volatile anaesthetics like desflurane, which can contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions in healthcare settings.

Success of Emission Reduction

The findings indicated that removing desflurane vaporisers and providing staff education resulted in substantial emission reduction without compromising the quality of care. The study also observed a decrease in hypnotic-related costs by €14,549, with no significant changes in the use of sevoflurane or propofol. Moreover, the study emphasized the potential for rapid and substantial emission reductions through proactive measures in anaesthesiology departments. Notably, the elimination of desflurane usage led to a remarkable decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the significance of addressing environmental concerns within healthcare systems.

Pharmacological Considerations and Economic Benefits

Furthermore, the study discussed the pharmacological differences between desflurane and sevoflurane, underscoring the need to consider alternatives that offer similar efficacy. The authors highlighted the economic benefits of reducing volatile anaesthetics consumption and emphasized the importance of timely implementation of strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The study also addressed the limitations, such as the lack of a randomized control group and the influence of external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare routines.

Conclusion and Implications

In conclusion, the study demonstrated that by implementing simple interventions like removing desflurane vaporisers and raising awareness among staff members, significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved in anaesthesia departments. The results underscore the importance of proactive measures to address environmental concerns and drive sustainable practices in healthcare settings, ultimately contributing to a greener and more cost-effective healthcare system.

Key Points

- The study aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in anaesthetic clinics by implementing interventions like removing desflurane vaporisers and educating staff members.

- A significant reduction of 86% in hypnotic-related emissions per anaesthetic procedure was observed after implementing the interventions, showcasing the effectiveness of the approach.

- There was a substantial decrease in hypnotic-related costs by €14,549 without compromising the quality of care, demonstrating the economic benefits of emission reduction efforts.

- The study emphasized the importance of addressing the environmental impact of volatile anaesthetics like desflurane, which have a notable contribution to greenhouse gas emissions in healthcare settings. - Removal of desflurane vaporisers led to a remarkable decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing the significance of proactive measures in anaesthesiology departments for emission reduction.

- The findings highlighted the need to consider alternatives with similar efficacy to desflurane, the economic benefits of reducing volatile anaesthetics usage, and the importance of timely implementation of strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in healthcare settings.

Reference –

Lehmann, F., Mader, J., Koch, C. et al. Minimising the usage of desflurane only by education and removal of the vaporisers – a before-and-after-trial. BMC Anesthesiol 25, 108 (2025).https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-025-02982-7