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Were protective procedures against SARS-CoV-2 effective in an orthopaedic and trauma centre during the lockdown
Pierre-Alban Bouche1, Barthelemy Valteau2, Valerie Dumaine2
1Orthopaedic Department, Cochin University Hospital, APHP, Paris, Paris Descartes University, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France. pierrealban309@gmail.com.
Purpose:
The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic started in December 2019 in Wuhan. The lockdown was declared on March 16, 2020 in France. Our centre had to adapt daily practices to continue to take care of bone and soft tissue tumours and emergencies. Through this study, we wanted to assess the various procedures implemented during the lockdown period between March 17 and May 10.
Methods:
A monocentric retrospective cohort study was conducted in Cochin Hospital (Paris, France). Patients included were those who had surgery during the lockdown period. To take care of COVID-19 positive and negative patients, various procedures have been set up: reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for all hospitalized patients, a specific unit for COVID-positive patients, a specific surgical room, and use of protective personal equipment. To allow the effectiveness of the procedures implemented, we evaluated the number of complications attributed to SARS-CoV-2 and the number of patients who became COVID positive during hospitalization.
Results:
During the lockdown period, there were 199 procedures of three types of procedures in our centre: 79 traumatology procedures (39.7%), 76 of bone and soft tissues tumours (38.2%), and 44 procedures related to infection (22.1%). We observed 13 complications (6.5%) during hospitalization, and only one patient became COVID-19 positive during the hospitalization.
Conclusion:
The COVID-19 epidemic has been a challenge for organization and adaptation to manage all COVID-19 positive and COVID negative. Through this study, we wanted to assess our procedures taken. They had been effective due to the low number of contamination and complications.
Insights
During the COVID-19 lockdown, a French hospital adapted surgical practices for bone tumors and emergencies. Implemented procedures were effective, showing low contamination and complication rates among patients undergoing surgery.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Practices
Background:
- The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic began in December 2019.
- France implemented a national lockdown on March 16, 2020.
- Healthcare facilities needed to adapt to manage cancer patients and emergencies during the pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of procedures implemented in a surgical center during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- To evaluate patient outcomes and SARS-CoV-2 related complications during the lockdown period.
Main Methods:
- A monocentric retrospective cohort study was conducted at Cochin Hospital, Paris.
- Patients undergoing surgery between March 17 and May 10, 2020, were included.
- Procedures included RT-PCR testing, dedicated COVID-19 units and surgical rooms, and enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE).
Main Results:
- A total of 199 procedures were performed: 79 traumatology, 76 bone/soft tissue tumors, and 44 infection-related.
- 13 complications (6.5%) were observed during hospitalization.
- Only one patient contracted COVID-19 during their hospital stay.
Conclusions:
- The implemented procedures effectively managed both COVID-19 positive and negative patients.
- The low rates of contamination and complications indicate the success of the adapted organizational strategies.
- The study highlights the adaptability of surgical centers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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