Safe Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare impact of infectious diseases
• Surgical safety protocols
• Pandemic preparedness in medicine

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected surgical patients and healthcare professionals.
• Understanding the pandemic's impact on surgical care is crucial for maintaining healthcare standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical patients and teams.
• To compile data on pre-operative screening, vaccinations, and safe surgical practices.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for safe surgical pathways and address future perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of emerging data on COVID-19's impact on surgery.
• Compilation of information on pre-operative screening, vaccinations, and surgical techniques.
• Analysis of surgical outcomes for emergency, oncological, and benign procedures during the pandemic.

Main Results:

• Surgical teams developed consensus guidelines and safety precautions for operating during the pandemic.
• Peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection increases surgical risks, but mitigation strategies are effective.
• Elective surgery can be performed safely during the COVID-19 pandemic with appropriate strategies.

Conclusions:

• Risk mitigation strategies are effective in reducing harm to patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Safe surgical pathways and techniques can be implemented to ensure patient and staff safety.
• The pandemic necessitates adaptation in surgical training and future healthcare planning.