Erlangen sets standards: climate-friendly anesthesia for the future!

Erlangen sets standards: climate-friendly anesthesia for the future!

A comprehensive strategy concept to promote sustainability in anesthesiology is being developed at the University Hospital Erlangen. This goal includes in particular the reduction of the CO2 footprint, which is achieved by minimizing climate-damaging anesthetic gases. For several months, the clinic has completely stopped using the anesthetic desflurane, which is considered particularly harmful to the environment.

Instead of desflurane, intravenous propofol is mainly used for general anesthesia in daily practice. Propofol is not only characterized by high patient comfort, but also has a significantly lower ecological footprint. Sevoflurane, another anesthetic gas, is only used in exceptional cases that are well justified. These are essential steps taken by the university hospital to minimize the impact on the climate while not losing sight of patient safety.

Reducing emissions

The impact of anesthetics on the environment should not be underestimated. According to the clinic, the emissions from an hour's anesthesia with desflurane are equivalent to a car trip from Erlangen to Flensburg. In contrast, when using sevoflurane, emissions drop to the level of a car trip from Erlangen to Nuremberg. By eliminating desflurane, energy consumption in the operating room is also reduced because less medical compressed air is required.

The clinic's team is committed to continuing to educate patients during this transition and ensuring their safety is the highest priority. Anesthetic gas suction is only used if sevoflurane is actually used. These careful steps are part of a broader strategy that also aims to reduce energy consumption and eliminate waste in operating rooms.

Sustainable processes and future steps

With regard to future measures, the Erlangen University Hospital is planning to introduce recycling programs for surgical instruments and switch from disposable to reusable items. This is characterized by a holistic approach that includes all professional groups within the clinic in order to effectively implement the new, more sustainable processes.

The initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions and optimize anesthesia preparations are a prominent example of how medical institutions are actively promoting sustainability in clinical operations. A comprehensive consideration of the use of energy and resources in anesthesia could be groundbreaking for other clinics in the future.

For more detailed information on sustainability efforts in anesthesiology, the Techniker Krankenkasse offers a comprehensive one Clinic report which highlights the various facets of the topic.

For further information on developments at Erlangen University Hospital, read the report from FAU.