Early implementation of protective measures defines surgical outcomes in the COVID-19 pandemic

Surg Today. 2020 Sep;50(9):1107-1112. doi: 10.1007/s00595-020-02080-w. Epub 2020 Jul 22.

Abstract

Quick implementation of specific protocols and protective measures in a tertiary hospital in Spain allowed for the early diagnosis and optimal management of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and proper protection of staff and inpatients. From the COVID-19 outbreak in this country until the time of writing, 14 patients in our hospital underwent surgery with COVID-19, or COVID-19 developed postoperatively. Their postoperative outcomes did not differ from those in our routine clinical practice, with a 0% respiratory failure rate and a 7.14% mortality rate, in contrast with other published series. COVID-19 did not develop in any of the healthcare workers present in the operating room during these procedures or in those who cared for these patients on the ward.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Surgical outcomes.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Cohort Studies
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / organization & administration*
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Spain
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative*
  • Treatment Outcome