Path to Reopening Surgery in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Neurosurgery Experience

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Infectious Disease Control
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated modifications to surgical practices.
• Elective surgeries were significantly impacted, requiring innovative solutions for patient safety.
• Neurosurgical departments faced unique challenges in managing patient care during this period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel preoperative triage protocol for COVID-19.
• To assess the safety and feasibility of performing nonelective neurosurgical procedures during the pandemic.
• To provide a model for the gradual resumption of elective surgeries.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data was conducted.
• The protocol involved preoperative outpatient and inpatient COVID-19 testing and telemedicine evaluations.
• Data collected included patient demographics, comorbidities, and COVID-19 related outcomes.

Main Results:

• 103 nonelective neurosurgical procedures were performed on 102 patients.
• No patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours of surgery.
• No patients developed COVID-19 symptoms during hospitalization or required postoperative readmission for these symptoms.

Conclusions:

• A multifaceted preoperative triage protocol enables safe performance of neurosurgical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• This strategy effectively minimizes coronavirus exposure for patients and healthcare workers.
• The protocol can be implemented by other centers to safely restart elective surgeries.