Elective Gastrointestinal Surgery in COVID Times

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare systems globally, leading to cancellations and delays in elective surgical procedures.
• These disruptions posed risks of adverse outcomes for patients requiring non-urgent gastro-intestinal (GI) surgical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and outcomes of elective GI surgical procedures performed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To assess the efficacy of implemented preventive strategies and screening protocols in mitigating transmission risks.

Main Methods:

• A case series analysis of elective GI surgeries conducted between March 24, 2020, and July 31, 2020.
• Data collection included patient demographics, surgical procedures (including laparoscopic approaches), malignancy rates, and postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3).
• Comparison of complication rates with the preceding year was performed to assess statistical significance.

Main Results:

• A total of 314 elective GI procedures were performed, with 45% for malignancies. The median patient age was 54 years.
• Major postoperative complications occurred in 3.5% of patients, which was not statistically different from the previous year's rate of 4.9% (p=0.3).
• The 30-day mortality rate was 1%, and no patients contracted COVID-19 postoperatively.

Conclusions:

• Elective GI surgery can be safely conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic by employing robust preventive measures and screening protocols.
• Careful patient selection and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial for maintaining low complication rates and ensuring patient safety.
• The study demonstrates the feasibility of continuing essential GI surgical services without compromising patient outcomes during a global health crisis.