Fluid Utilization and Waste in Topical Cataract Surgery

The recent national intravenous (IV) fluid shortage caused by Hurricane Helene has brought renewed focus to resource utilization and waste in the operating room, prompting a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Healthy Advisory Alert.1 The supply chain issues and resulting shortage has compelled surgical teams across the country to critically evaluate their use of IV fluids. Cataract surgery, which is one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide, requires minimally invasive techniques making it increasingly safe and efficient.2 Topical anesthesia is standard for most cataract surgeries and eliminates the need for systemic sedation or significant fluid resuscitation. Despite this, perioperative parenteral fluid administration remains a routine practice in many ambulatory surgery centers. This practice has been largely unchallenged, even though the fluid losses in cataract surgery are negligible, and its necessity has not been clearly established. This study evaluates intraoperative fluid utilization, waste, and medication use during topical cataract surgery, with a focus on improving sustainability in the context of ongoing resource constraints.