Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is safe during phase 2-3 of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: A multicenter, prospective, observational study

Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2021 Jul:177:108919. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2021.108919. Epub 2021 Jun 13.

Abstract

Background: Sars-Cov-2 epidemic in Italy caused one of the greatest 2020 European outbreaks, with suspension of elective bariatric/metabolic surgery (BMS). From May 2020 a significant decline of the epidemic has been observed (phase 2); National Health Service protocols permitted elective BMS' resumption. A new, more severe COVID-19 surge, the "second wave", started on October 2020 (phase 3).

Aim: The primary end point was to analyze the outcomes of any Sars-Cov-2 infection and related morbidity/mortality within 30 POD after laparoscopic BMS during phase 2-3; secondary end points were readmission and reoperation rates.

Methods: Study design prospective, multicenter, observational.

Setting: Eight Italian high-volume bariatric centers. All patients undergoing BMS from July 2020 through January 2021 were enrolled according to the following criteria: no Sars-Cov-2 infection; primary procedures; no concomitant procedure; age > 18 < 60 years; compensated comorbidities; informed consent including COVID-19 addendum; adherence to specific admission, in-hospital and follow-up protocols. Data were collected in a prospective database. Patients undergone BMS during July-December 2019 were considered a control group.

Results: 1258 patients were enrolled and compared with 1451 operated on in 2019, with no differences for demographics, complications, readmission, and reintervention rates. Eight patients (0·6%) tested positive for Sars-Cov-2 infection after discharge, as well as and 15 healthcare professionals, with no related complications or mortality.

Conclusions: Introduction of strict COVID-19 protocols concerning the protection of patients and health-care professionals guaranteed a safe resumption of elective BMS in Italy. The safety profile was, also, maintained during the second wave of outbreak, thus allowing access to a cure for the obese population.

Keywords: Bariatric/metabolic surgery; Guidelines; Phase 2·3 COVID-19 pandemic; Protocols; Safety; Sars-Cov-2 infection.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bariatric Surgery*
  • COVID-19*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics
  • Patient Safety
  • Prospective Studies
  • State Medicine