Comparison of single use versus reusable gastroscope environmental impacts for an upper GI endoscopy procedure

Aims The environmental impact of endoscopy, including upper Gi endoscopy (UGE), has gained attention due to its contribution to the global carbon footprint. This study aimed to perform a life cycle assessment of the process of making an endoscope available for upper GI endoscopy, comparing disposable and reusable endoscopes.

Methods Single use (Ambu Ascope Gastro) and reusable gastroscope (Olympus, H190) were evaluated using life cycle assessment methodology (ISO 14040), including analysis of scopes (components, assembly, distribution, use, end of life), disinfection and storage processes. An evaluation of the endoscopy column and washer impact based on monetary ratio was conducted to simulate scenarios of impacts in different settings.

Results In single use and reusable strategies, climate change accounted respectively for 10.9 kgCO₂ eq and 4.7 kgCO₂ eq, fossil eq depletion for 130 MJ and 61MJ, water depletion for 6.4 and 9.5 m³ per endoscope use. In the single use strategy. Based on monetary ratio, the endoscopy column accounted respectively for 4725 and 10080 kg CO₂eq in the single use and reusable strategies, while the washer (reusable strategy) accounted for 7875 kg CO₂ eq. In a unit performing 1000 endoscopies/year, the column (and washer) account respectively for 0.47 kg CO₂ eq in single use strategy versus 1 (and 0.79) kg CO₂ eq reusable strategy.

Conclusions For one upper GI endoscopy, single use endoscope is 2.5 more impacting than a reusable scope. Nevertheless, this difference is equivalent to a 17.5 km drive to reach the endoscopy unit compared to a local endoscopy with single use strategy.

Publication History

Article published online:
15 April 2024