Examining Items Wasted in Common Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeries.

Authors

• Margaret A Tharp
• Jessica Henry, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Julie Conley, Corewell Health West
• Brooke Geddie, Corewell Health West
• Lauren Fletcher-Morehouse, Corewell Health West

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2026

Publication Title

Journal of AAPOS

Abstract

PURPOSE: To quantify waste from textiles (drapes, gowns, disposable towels) and some plastics (surgical tubing, syringes, and cups) produced from routine pediatric ophthalmic surgery.

METHODS: This prospective, observational study was conducted at a midsized Midwestern children's hospital and its affiliated outpatient surgical center. Data were collected from pediatric ophthalmic surgeries and included patient weight (kg), height (cm), procedure type, surgical pack utilized, weights of contents (g), and whether contents were used or wasted, defined as being opened and discarded without being used for surgical or protective purposes.

RESULTS: Data were collected from 136 cases of three surgeons over 4 months. The mean total and drape-covered (50% total) body surface area (BSA) among patients was 0.99 m

CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be potential for reducing waste from textiles and certain plastic materials in pediatric ophthalmic surgery. Further study is needed to evaluate the environmental and financial efficacy of interventions.

First Page

105305

Last Page

105305

Recommended Citation

Tharp MA, Henry J, Conley J, Geddie B, Fletcher-Morehouse L. Examining items wasted in common pediatric ophthalmic surgeries. J AAPOS. 2026:105305. doi: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2026.105305. PMID: 42800606.

DOI

10.1016/j.jaapos.2026.105305

ISSN

1528-3933

PubMed ID

42800606