Theoretical and evidence-based infection control during general anesthesia in the COVID-19 pandemic

With the outbreak of COVID-19, attention has focused on measures to prevent droplet infection. Operating rooms, where we anesthesiologists mainly work, are equipped with various theories and techniques for performing surgical procedures and general anesthesia on patients with various infectious diseases, whether airborne, droplet, or contact infection, and are an environment where surgical procedures and general anesthesia can be safely performed on patients with compromised immune functions. Here, we describe the anesthesia management standards assuming COVID-19 from the viewpoint of medical safety, as well as the structure for supplying clean air in the operating room and the structure of a negative-pressure operating room.