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Cardiac surgeons between apprehension and ethical duty in the COVID-19 pandemic
Ahmed Ma Bakry1, Ehab Sobhy1, Hysam Abdelmohty2
1Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Zagazig University, Egypt.
Insights
Egyptian cardiothoracic surgeons perceive significant risks from COVID-19, leading to postponed surgeries and varied safety recommendations. Careful planning is crucial for safe reopening, balancing resources and preventing exposure to untested patients.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant challenges for cardiothoracic surgeons.
- Attitudes towards performing surgery are heavily influenced by pandemic conditions.
- Establishing recommendations for safe cardiothoracic surgery is critically important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the perceptions and practices of Egyptian cardiothoracic surgeons regarding COVID-19 risks.
- To understand the impact of the pandemic on surgical decision-making and patient safety.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 77 Egyptian cardiothoracic surgeons.
- A self-administered questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms through social networks and email.
Main Results:
- Over 80% of surgeons felt at risk, with 26% encountering COVID-19 positive individuals in their teams.
- Despite pre-testing 51% of patients, 9 postoperative COVID-19 cases were reported.
- Most surgeons postponed elective surgeries, with 40% recommending against high-risk procedures.
Conclusions:
- Patient and healthcare worker safety remain paramount during the pandemic.
- Future surgical reopening strategies must prioritize resource allocation, social distancing, and minimizing exposure to untested individuals.
- Proactive planning is essential for navigating the evolving landscape of cardiothoracic surgery amidst COVID-19.
Background:
Cardiothoracic surgeons are facing a big challenge in their surgical practice in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. The attitude towards performing surgery is influenced by the pandemic. Setting special recommendations for safe cardiothoracic surgery is of extreme importance.
Methods:
This was an observational cross-sectional survey that included 77 Egyptian cardiothoracic surgeons. The survey consisted of a self-administered constructed questionnaire with six sections, and was delivered as a Google Forms questionnaire (https://www.google.com/forms/about) that was sent to individuals via social networks and email.
Results:
More than 80% of Egyptian cardiothoracic surgeons believe they and their patients are at risk. Out of all participants, none had actually been infected with COVID-19 but 26% had encountered a positive COVID-19 person in their surgical team. Although 51% were testing patients before surgery, they reported 9 confirmed cases postoperatively. Computed tomography was the most recommended investigation prior to surgery (by 69%). Most had postponed elective surgeries and only one-third of all surgeons recommended performing elective surgeries cautiously with pretesting for COVID-19 and maximizing protective measures, while more than 40% recommended not performing high-risk elective surgeries.
Conclusion:
We are committed to the safety of our patients, ourselves, our staff, and our families. Planning for the new phase of reopening, whether total reopening or step-by-step reopening, should carefully consider how we should utilize our resources, respect social distancing, and prevent exposure to untested patients or health workers who might turn out to be an undetected positive case.
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