166 Surgical Sustainability at Risk: Unused Disposable Instruments Due to Equipment Gaps

Abstract Background Sustainability in surgery is a growing global priority, with increasing focus on reducing medical waste and carbon footprint. A significant but often overlooked contributor to operating theatre waste is the unnecessary opening of single-use disposable laparoscopic instruments. This frequently occurs when standard laparoscopic sets are incomplete or contain malfunctioning instruments, prompting staff to open disposable alternatives. Aim To quantify the frequency and causes of unnecessary use of disposable laparoscopic instruments due to equipment deficiencies in reusable laparoscopic sets and evaluate the implications for surgical sustainability. Method This observational study will be conducted in a general surgical unit over a 3-month period. All laparoscopic procedures (elective and emergency) will be prospectively reviewed. Cases where disposable laparoscopic instruments are opened but not used will be recorded. Data will be collected including the type of procedure, missing or faulty instrument, type of disposable opened, and whether it is used. Results Still pending. Conclusions We aim to find out if there is any unnecessary opening of disposable instruments due to inadequacies in the laparoscopic set which can be a preventable source of financial and environmental waste. We will need to improve instrument tracking, pre-operative set checks, and responsive sterilisation processes to significantly improve sustainability in surgical practice.