RecruitingObservational

Environmental impact calculator for minimally invasive surgical gallbladder removal

This study is developing a special calculator to measure the environmental impact of keyhole gallbladder surgery. It's called "ECOMIS," and its main goal is to find out how much carbon dioxide is produced during these common operations. Healthcare globally creates a lot of carbon pollution, and operating rooms are a big part of that. This calculator will help hospitals understand their environmental footprint and find ways to be more eco-friendly. The study involves a team of experts from different fields, but no patients will be taking part. They will use their knowledge to help build and test the calculator. The overall aim is to help hospitals make better, greener decisions for our planet.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

European Association for Endoscopic Surgery

Enrolment target

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Minimally invasive cholecystectomies

What is this study about?

This research project, called ECOMIS, is all about making healthcare more environmentally friendly. You might not realise it, but hospitals and medical procedures, like operations, use a lot of energy and create pollution, just like cars or factories. In fact, healthcare services worldwide contribute significantly to global carbon emissions.

Operating rooms, where surgeries happen, are particularly demanding on resources. This study focuses on a very common operation called keyhole gallbladder removal, which is also known as a minimally invasive cholecystectomy. The researchers want to create an easy-to-use calculator that can work out the yearly carbon footprint of these types of operations. This calculator could then help hospitals all over the world compare their environmental impact, track their progress in becoming greener, and get tailored advice on how to reduce their environmental footprint.

To build this tool, the study will involve experts in surgery, environmental science, and healthcare sustainability. These experts will help develop and fine-tune the calculator through a series of steps. The goal isn't to change how surgeries are done, but to provide hospitals with a way to measure and improve their environmental impact, ultimately contributing to a healthier planet.

Key takeaways

The study aims to create an environmental impact calculator for keyhole gallbladder surgery.
It's about making hospitals more environmentally friendly.
No patients are involved in this research; only medical and environmental experts.
The calculator will help hospitals understand and reduce their carbon footprint.
The study will run from April 2026 to July 2027.

Who may be eligible?

This study is a bit different because it doesn't involve patients directly. Instead, it's focused on gathering insights from a specific group of medical and environmental experts.

Those who can participate are highly experienced professionals. They need to be part of well-known surgical groups like the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) or the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

However, some experts would not be eligible. This includes those who are still training in their field, or those with less than two years of experience in keyhole gallbladder removal. Also, experts who aren't directly involved in the medical care, logistics, or product side of minimally invasive surgery would not be part of this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a high-level expert in surgery, environmental science, or healthcare sustainability?
Are you part of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) or Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)?
Do you have at least two years of experience with keyhole gallbladder surgery?
Are you actively involved in the medical, logistical, or product aspects of minimally invasive surgery?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study doesn't involve any hospital visits for patients, as no patients are being recruited. Instead, it involves a group of international experts.

These experts will be asked to share their knowledge and insights to help develop a calculator. This will likely involve answering questions or providing feedback as the calculator is being built and tested. Their participation helps refine the tool. The study is expected to run from April 2026 to July 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

For the experts participating, a key benefit is gaining a unique understanding of the environmental impact of keyhole gallbladder removal. This knowledge can then help them and their hospitals make more environmentally friendly decisions in the future. Crucially, there are absolutely no risks for anyone participating in this study; no patients are involved, and any information provided by the experts will be kept private and anonymous, meaning their identity won't be linked to their contributions. You also have the right to withdraw from providing your expert opinion at any time.

Locations (5)

Health and Care Academy
City only
Cramlington, England
Amsterdam UMC
Approximate
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Mater Dei Hospital
Unverified
Malta
Consorci sanitari Integral
Unverified
Spain
Olsztyn Municipal Hospital
Unverified
Poland

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to create a calculator that measures the environmental impact, like carbon emissions, of keyhole gallbladder surgery.

Will patients be involved in this study?

No, patients will not be involved. This study focuses on expert opinions and data.

What kind of surgery is this study looking at?

It's looking specifically at keyhole surgery for gallbladder removal, which is also called minimally invasive cholecystectomy.

How will this calculator help hospitals?

It will help hospitals understand their environmental footprint from surgeries and find ways to be more eco-friendly and sustainable.

Where is this study being run from?

It's coordinated by a team based in several countries including the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Malta, and the UK.

How to find out more

Hidde Overtoom

h.c.g.overtoom@amsterdamumc.nl +31 (0)630428132 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.