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Operating During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Emerging Indication for Minilaparotomy Cholecystectomy
David M Milne1, Johnathan K Jarvis1, Rensi E Franklin1
1Surgery, General Hospital Port of Spain, Port of Spain, TTO.
Abstract:
COVID-19 has required changes in the practice of surgery to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. Proposed mitigation strategies include avoidance of aerosol-generating procedures such as laparoscopy. We report two cases where minilaparotomy cholecystectomy was employed to treat benign biliary disease during the pandemic. A review of the literature supports the use of this surgical technique during the COVID-19 pandemic until laparoscopy can be proven to be safe.
Insights
Minilaparotomy cholecystectomy offers a safe alternative to laparoscopy for benign biliary disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach minimizes aerosol generation, reducing viral transmission risk for surgical teams.
Area of Science:
- Surgical innovation in response to infectious disease outbreaks.
- Minimally invasive surgery techniques.
- Patient safety during pandemics.
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated modifications in surgical practices to prevent viral transmission.
- Aerosol-generating procedures, including laparoscopy, were identified as high-risk.
- Alternative surgical approaches were explored to maintain patient care while mitigating risk.
