COVID-19, Monkeypox, climate change and surgery: A syndemic undermines the right to be operated in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment

The compounding effect of infectious outbreaks and climate change has put a strain on surgical care. Adverse weather conditions derail preoperative planning, postoperative recovery, supply chains and equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted elective surgical care for the past two years. It is expected that novel SARS-CoV-2 strains and the emergence of Monkeypox can also put barriers to surgical care. Consecutively, mounting surgical morbidity and strenuous efforts to adhere to infection control further increase the ecological footprint of surgical care fueling a vicious circle of clinical and environmental challenges. Multilevel action from the side of surgeons and surgical societies is required. This includes creating contingency plans for sustainable surgical practice amidst public health emergencies, informing stakeholders and the public about the cumulative ramifications of the syndemic on surgery and promoting social participation among surgeons.