Review Article: Green Management of IBD-New Paradigms for an Eco-Friendly Approach.

Abstract

Background: The worldwide prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing, with its potential evolution as a global disease and a consequent increase in its burden on healthcare systems. These estimates do not factor in the 'real' price of IBD, which, beyond curbing career aspirations, instilling social stigma, and impairing the quality of life in patients, could also significantly affect the environment.

Aim: To highlight potential areas for intervention and develop management strategies aimed at minimising environmental impacts in the field of IBD over time.

Methods: Various aspects of IBD care (organisation of IBD centres, diagnostics and therapeutics) are examined from an environmental sustainability perspective.

Results: Each stage, from the patient's means of transport to the hospital to the physician's diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, contribute to CO₂ and waste production. Strategies to contain the environmental impact are feasible. Some are easy to implement, such as ensuring the appropriateness of the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway for patients; others need to be implemented in synergy with healthcare providers' policies and pharmaceutical companies.

Conclusions: With an inevitable increase in the number of patient visits, endoscopies, laboratory testing, and long-term therapeutic strategies for IBD, the clinical community should be aware of environmental concerns and investigate possible strategies to reduce the environmental impact of IBD care.