[Endoscopic surgery and covid 19 disease: case report]

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Context:

• Pituitary tumors require surgical intervention, often via endoscopic endonasal approaches.
• Healthcare settings pose a risk for nosocomial infections, including COVID-19.
• Patient comorbidities, such as obesity, can influence surgical outcomes and recovery.

Purpose:

• To report a case of COVID-19 infection acquired during endoscopic endonasal pituitary tumor surgery.
• To discuss the diagnostic challenges and management of postoperative COVID-19 in surgical patients.
• To emphasize the importance of infection control protocols in preventing intraoperative SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Summary:

• A patient with a pituitary macroadenoma underwent successful endoscopic endonasal surgery.
• Postoperatively, the patient developed symptoms consistent with COVID-19, confirmed by PCR testing.
• Treatment with azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine, and vitamin C led to a favorable outcome.

Impact:

• This case underscores the potential for COVID-19 transmission in surgical environments.
• It highlights the need for vigilant screening and prompt management of suspected COVID-19 cases in postoperative patients.
• Findings emphasize adherence to stringent infection control measures during all surgical procedures.