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Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Laparoscopic Left Liver Sectoriectomy of Caroli's Disease Limited to Segment II and III
Published on: February 27, 2009
Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is safe during phase 2-3 of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: A multicenter, prospective,
Gianfranco Silecchia1, Cristian E Boru1, Giuseppe M Marinari2
1Division of General Surgery and Bariatric Center of Excellence IFSO-EC, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University "La Sapienza" of Rome, Via Corso della Repubblica 79, Latina, LT 04100, Italy.
Background:
Sars-Cov-2 epidemic in Italy caused one of the greatest 2020 European outbreaks, with suspension of elective bariatric/metabolic surgery (BMS). From May 2020 a significant decline of the epidemic has been observed (phase 2); National Health Service protocols permitted elective BMS' resumption. A new, more severe COVID-19 surge, the "second wave", started on October 2020 (phase 3).
Aim:
The primary end point was to analyze the outcomes of any Sars-Cov-2 infection and related morbidity/mortality within 30 POD after laparoscopic BMS during phase 2-3; secondary end points were readmission and reoperation rates.
Methods:
Study design prospective, multicenter, observational.
Setting:
Eight Italian high-volume bariatric centers. All patients undergoing BMS from July 2020 through January 2021 were enrolled according to the following criteria: no Sars-Cov-2 infection; primary procedures; no concomitant procedure; age > 18 < 60 years; compensated comorbidities; informed consent including COVID-19 addendum; adherence to specific admission, in-hospital and follow-up protocols. Data were collected in a prospective database. Patients undergone BMS during July-December 2019 were considered a control group.
Results:
1258 patients were enrolled and compared with 1451 operated on in 2019, with no differences for demographics, complications, readmission, and reintervention rates. Eight patients (0·6%) tested positive for Sars-Cov-2 infection after discharge, as well as and 15 healthcare professionals, with no related complications or mortality.
Conclusions:
Introduction of strict COVID-19 protocols concerning the protection of patients and health-care professionals guaranteed a safe resumption of elective BMS in Italy. The safety profile was, also, maintained during the second wave of outbreak, thus allowing access to a cure for the obese population.
