Uncovering the carbon footprint of minimally invasive axillary osmidrosis surgery in China through life cycle assessment.

As a major contributor to global CO₂e, the healthcare sector urgently requires carbon footprint assessments of surgical procedures to achieve carbon neutrality goals. However, the environmental impacts of minimally invasive techniques remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to quantify the carbon footprint of minimally invasive axillary osmidrosis surgery, identify key emission sources, and propose systemic decarbonization strategies. A life cycle assessment (LCA) framework was employed to develop a dynamic "instantaneous-cumulative" boundary model, integrating data on preoperative material production, intraoperative energy consumption, and postoperative waste management. The primary emission sources for a single minimally invasive procedure were facility operations (43.5%), disposable consumables (21.7%), and transportation (16.3%). A synergistic approach combining technological innovation (reusable instruments and bio-based materials), operational optimization (smart scheduling and renewable energy integration), and policy interventions (emission trading mechanisms) achieved a 48.7% reduction in CO₂e. This study highlights the inherent tension between the health benefits and environmental costs of minimally invasive surgery. By proposing a "climate-smart healthcare" framework, it provides a theoretical foundation and actionable pathways for balancing clinical priorities with climate action in global healthcare systems.