Life cycle assessment and life cycle cost of repairing surgical scissors

Abstract Purpose The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental impact and financial cost repairing surgical scissors. Methods We used life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis estimate impacts functional unit one use a reusable scissor (manufactured in Germany UK), three baseline scenarios were compared: no repair, onsite (hospital), offsite (external contract) repair. This ‘cradle-to-grave’ included raw material extraction, manufacture scissors materials within secondary packaging, transportation, decontamination, repair (where relevant), waste disposal. Primary activity data sourced from instrument manufacturer, supplier, UK centres (both offsite), whilst Ecoinvent database as source for World ReCiPe Midpoint Endpoint Hierarchist method (Version 1.1) assessment. Scenario altering different assumptions, including number uses, reducing repairs, increasing distance centre, alternative electricity sources handling processes. Life calculated based on purchase cost, Results discussion carbon footprint 70 g CO 2 e per use, assuming 40 times before replacement. reduced by 19% through every uses (57 e/scissor use), with small additional reductions associated (56 use). Similar patterns reduction eighteen midpoint categories (mean 30% those repaired relative repair) also across endpoint categories. Decontamination made biggest contribution all (76% where 95–97% respectively). Findings robust scenario analyses. GBP £1.43 scissors, when either on- or decreased 32% £0.97 use. Conclusion Repairing rather than replacing them new pair can reduce cost. extent which may play role mitigating other instruments requires further research.