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Obesity Surgery

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05-07-2023 | Telemedicine | Original Contributions

Telemedicine Use Decreases the Carbon Footprint of the Bariatric Surgery Preoperative Evaluation

Authors: Rachel Sillcox, Megan Blaustein, Saurabh Khandelwal, Mary Kate Bryant, Jay Zhu, Judy Y Chen

Published in: Obesity Surgery | Issue 8/2023

Abstract

Background

Healthcare-associated activity accounts for 10% of the United States’ carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Using telemedicine for bariatric surgery evaluations decreases emissions and reduces patient burden during the multiple required interdisciplinary visits. After adopting telemedicine during COVID, our clinic continues to utilize telemedicine for preoperative bariatric evaluations. We evaluated the reduced environmental impact associated with this practice.

Methods

A retrospective review of all new evaluations for vertical sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB) from 2019 and 2021 was conducted. The 2019 year represents pre-pandemic, in-person evaluations and 2021 represents telemedicine evaluations during the COVID pandemic. Carbon emissions were calculated using the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) validated formula of 404g CO₂ per car-mile. Preoperative evaluation time was calculated from the initial clinic visit to the operation date.

Results

There were 51 patients in the 2019 cohort and 55 patients in the 2021 cohort. In the 2019 in-person cohort, there was significantly more kg of estimated CO₂ emitted (10,225 vs. 2011.4, p<.001) compared to the 2021 cohort. For time required to complete the preoperative workup, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (162 days vs. 193 days, p=.226). The attrition rate was lower in the 2021 cohort (22.22% v. 35.9%, p<.001).

Conclusions

Implementation of telemedicine for bariatric preoperative evaluations reduced patient travel, carbon emissions, and improved attrition rate. We encourage bariatric providers to use telemedicine as we believe this eases patient burdens and, with wider adoption, could significantly reduce our carbon footprint.

Graphical Abstract

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Title: Telemedicine Use Decreases the Carbon Footprint of the Bariatric Surgery Preoperative Evaluation
Authors: Rachel Sillcox
Megan Blaustein
Saurabh Khandelwal
Mary Kate Bryant
Jay Zhu
Judy Y Chen
Publication date: 05-07-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Telemedicine
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric Surgery
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Published in: Obesity Surgery / Issue 8/2023
Print ISSN: 0960-8923
Electronic ISSN: 1708-0428
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-023-06721-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Telemedicine Use Decreases the Carbon Footprint of the Bariatric Surgery Preoperative Evaluation

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Graphical Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Graphical Abstract

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