Neurosurgeon Li Zhengying: spine endoscopic surgery uses 56 L saline

Neurosurgeon Li Zhengying posted on social media that a single dual‑channel spinal endoscopic (UBE) procedure consumes about 56 000 cc (56 L) of physiological saline, roughly the volume of 112 standard 500 cc water bottles. The large volume is continuously flushed through the operative field to keep the endoscopic view clear, wash away blood, compress tiny vessels and reduce bleeding, and remove bone fragments, tissue debris and bacteria, which helps keep infection rates low.

After the operation the used fluid is collected in a recovery system and treated as medical waste, not retained in the patient. Hospital staff confirm that the waste is transferred to specialized disposal channels. The doctor emphasized that despite the surprising amount, the fluid does not pose a burden to patients.

The disclosure sparked discussion among medical professionals about the logistics of handling such volumes of waste in operating rooms.