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Published on: November 7, 2020
Infection prevention and surgery in the pandemic era
Helen Umpleby1,2, Rebecca Houghton1,2
1is a Specialist Registrar in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at University Hospital Southampton, UK. Conflicts of interest: none declared.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacts surgical care, increasing risks for patients and staff. Implementing infection control measures like testing and PPE is crucial for safe surgical services.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Specialties
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to surgical patients and healthcare workers.
- Perioperative COVID-19 infection is associated with increased pulmonary complications and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss infection prevention and control measures implemented in surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To highlight the importance of collaboration in maintaining surgical services.
Main Methods:
- Review of infection control strategies including testing, patient isolation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and ventilation.
- Discussion of collaborative healthcare approaches during the pandemic.
Main Results:
- Appropriate infection control measures are critical for patient safety and reducing transmission.
- Collaboration among healthcare workers is essential for preserving surgical services.
Conclusions:
- Effective infection prevention and control are paramount in surgical settings during pandemics.
- A multidisciplinary, collaborative approach ensures the continuity of essential surgical care while protecting patients and staff.
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on surgical specialties. COVID-19 carries a significant risk to the surgical patient and the healthcare workers looking after them, with an increased incidence of pulmonary complications and mortality in patients who test positive perioperatively. Appropriate infection prevention and control measures are critical to ensure appropriate care is given and to reduce the risk of onward transmission. This article will discuss the measures that have been instigated and contributed to infection control in surgery, such as testing, patient isolation, personal protective equipment and ventilation. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to healthcare workers across many specialities working together to provide essential clinical care. This collaborative approach is critical to maintain excellent infection prevention and control practices required during this pandemic, which protect patients and preserve surgical services.
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