Assessing the environmental impact of different anesthetic types during wrist surgery

Life Cycle Assessment of General Anesthetic, Regional Anesthetic and the Combination of General Anesthetic and Regional Anesthetic: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Alberta · NCT05385367

This study is testing which type of anesthesia used during wrist surgery creates the least amount of waste to help make surgeries more environmentally friendly.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alberta Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Edmonton, Alberta and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05385367 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the carbon footprint associated with various anesthetic methods used during wrist fracture surgeries. Adult patients will be approached to consent to the collection and weighing of waste generated from general anesthetic, regional anesthetic, and a combination of both. The study aims to quantify and compare the waste produced by each anesthetic type, including both disposable and reusable materials. By conducting a life cycle analysis, the research seeks to identify which anesthetic approach is more environmentally sustainable.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients scheduled for open reduction and internal fixation of wrist fractures with ASA classifications of 1 to 3.

Not a fit: Patients who are contraindicated for general anesthetic or have specific medical conditions that prevent them from participating will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more environmentally friendly anesthetic practices in surgical settings.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on the carbon footprint of anesthetics, similar life cycle assessments in other medical fields have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All adult patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of wrist
* ASA 1-3

Exclusion Criteria:

* no contraindications for general anesthetic in the group for general anesthetic and vice versa

Where this trial is running

Edmonton, Alberta and 1 other locations

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Carbon Footprint in Anestheticcarbon footprintanesthetic wastelife cycle analsis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.