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Updated: Dec 14, 2025

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects
Published on: February 12, 2021
Early implementation of protective measures defines surgical outcomes in the COVID-19 pandemic
Ana Senent-Boza1, Inmaculada Benítez-Linero2, Luis Tallón-Aguilar3
1Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n, PC 41013, Seville, Spain. asenentboza@gmail.com.
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.
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