Anesthetic Types for Carbon Footprint Reduction

This trial aims to determine which type of anesthesia is more environmentally friendly by examining the waste produced during wrist surgery. It compares three types: regional anesthesia (numbing a specific area), general anesthesia (inducing sleep), and a combination of both. The trial involves adults undergoing wrist surgery to repair a fracture. This research seeks to identify the most eco-friendly method for managing pain during surgery. As an unphased trial, it provides an opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability in medical practices.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research shows that anesthetics used in surgeries are generally safe for patients, but they can affect the environment differently. Here's a simple breakdown of the safety for each type of anesthetic used in this study:

1. **Regional Anesthetic**: Studies indicate that regional anesthesia, like nerve blocks, is well-tolerated. It is often chosen to avoid the side effects of inhaled anesthetics, which are gases with a larger environmental impact. This type of anesthesia usually has fewer side effects because it targets a specific area of the body.

2. **General Anesthetic**: This type is commonly used and involves putting the patient to sleep for surgery. While generally safe, it can have more side effects than regional anesthesia, such as nausea or grogginess. However, these side effects are well-known and are usually managed effectively.

3. **Combined General and Regional Anesthetic**: Using both types together is also considered safe and combines the benefits of both methods. It can help manage pain better while reducing the amount of inhaled anesthetics needed, which may be better for the environment.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how different anesthetic techniques can reduce the carbon footprint in medical procedures. Unlike traditional care that often relies heavily on general anesthetics, this trial evaluates the environmental impact of using regional anesthetics alone and in combination with general anesthetics. By potentially lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with anesthesia, these methods could make surgeries more environmentally friendly without compromising patient care. This could represent a significant step forward in sustainable healthcare practices.

This trial will compare the environmental impact of different anesthesia options. Research has shown that regional anesthesia, which participants in one arm of this trial will receive, can reduce the negative effects of inhaled anesthetics and offers benefits during surgery. Participants in another arm will receive general anesthesia, which studies indicate can have a significant carbon footprint, though certain methods can greatly reduce these emissions. In the third arm, participants will receive a combination of general and regional anesthesia, where inhaled anesthetics are still used, and their impact depends on the specific gases involved. Overall, regional anesthesia alone is often considered more environmentally friendly because it produces fewer emissions. This study aims to better understand the environmental impact of these anesthesia options.¹²⁶⁷⁸