Where Green Principles Meet the Operating Room: Dr. Ma Drives Sustainable Surgical Change

Dr. Odelle Ma

The Canadian Journal of Surgery has selected a paper led by Dr. Odelle Ma, General Surgery Resident, as its Editor’s Pick, highlighting national recognition for her work on environmental sustainability in the operating room.

Dr. Ma’s study surveyed general surgeons across Canada to understand how environmental concerns shape their operating room practices. The research revealed a strong consensus: surgeons overwhelmingly believe sustainability is important, yet face significant barriers—limited access to reusable equipment, concerns about performance, and institutional purchasing constraints.

Dr. Ma says, “This research highlights the current perspectives and practice patterns of Canadian general surgeons relating to environmental sustainability in the operating room and offers recommendations for achieving greener ORs.”

Despite these challenges, most surgeons reported a willingness to adopt greener practices, even if it meant slightly higher costs or longer operating times. The paper also outlines a roadmap for change, calling for coordinated action at the individual, institutional, and national levels to reduce the environmental footprint of surgical care.

Dr. David Bigam, Dvisional Director of General Surgery at the University of Alberta says, "Healthcare makes up 5% of the world's carbon emissions - more than aviation or shipping.  Health systems need to actively work to decrease this footprint.  We all need to look at what we can do in our own workplace - every small contribution helps!"

The Division is putting research into practice and is working on a project that quantifies the surgical environmental footprint for a standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy and using that data to encourage surgeons to review their case carts to minimize waste.

Dr. Ma’s work shines a spotlight on an emerging priority in Canadian health care and positions her as a leading voice in the movement toward more sustainable surgical practice.

Other research projects during Dr. Ma’s residency include:
“Long-term outcomes after per-oral endoscopic myotomy versus laparoscopic Heller myotomy in the treatment of achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis” Published in Surgical Endoscopy

“Characterizing Canadian rural general surgeons: trends over time and 10-year replacement needs” Published in Canadian Journal of Surgery

“Operating room sustainability project: quantifying the surgical environmental footprint for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy”  Presented at Society for American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Annual Meeting.

“Comparative efficacy of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy in children and adolescents – a systematic review and meta-analysis” Presented at Society for American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Annual Meeting.