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Is Elective Neurosurgery Justified During COVID-19 Pandemic?
Arivazhagan Arimappamagan1, George Vilanilam2, Paritosh Pandey3
1Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Neurology India
|March 1, 2021
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated suspending elective neurosurgery due to infection risks. However, delaying procedures can lead to neurological deterioration, requiring careful risk assessment for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of non-emergent healthcare services globally.
- Guidelines were issued to postpone elective surgeries to manage the surge of COVID-19 patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on neurosurgery.
- To analyze the implications of postponing elective neurosurgical procedures.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of emerging evidence.
- Analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on neurosurgical practice.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 poses significant risks including cross-infection and healthcare system paralysis.
- Active COVID-19 infection is associated with substantial perioperative morbidity and mortality.
- Postponing neurosurgical treatment can result in progressive neurological deterioration.
Conclusions:
- Elective neurosurgical services should be suspended due to COVID-19 risks.
- The risks of postponement must be balanced against the risks of surgery.
- Guidelines for risk assessment and management are crucial for elective neurosurgery during the pandemic.
