Strategies to Minimize Virus Transmission During Anesthesia Procedures in COVID-19 Patients

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Healthcare workers, particularly anesthesiologists, are at elevated risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to aerosol-generating procedures like intubation.
• COVID-19 transmission occurs via close contact and aerosols, posing significant risks during surgical anesthesia.
• Previous reports indicate SARS-CoV-2 infections among healthcare professionals globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically analyze the risks of COVID-19 for anesthesiologists and critical care teams during surgical procedures.
• To identify potential immunomodulatory effects of general anesthetics in COVID-19 positive patients.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for safer anesthesia practices in the context of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Systematic analysis of published literature on COVID-19's impact on anesthesiologists and critical care teams.
• Review of current medical management strategies for COVID-19 in surgical settings.
• Identification of key points for safe anesthesia administration in pediatric, adult, and obstetric cases.

Main Results:

• Airway manipulations during general anesthesia increase anesthesiologists' exposure risk to SARS-CoV-2.
• General anesthetics may have immunomodulatory effects when patients have COVID-19.
• Regional anesthesia avoids airway manipulation, significantly reducing infection transmission risk.

Conclusions:

• Anesthesiologists and critical care teams require stringent protective measures due to high SARS-CoV-2 exposure risks.
• Regional anesthesia presents a safer alternative by minimizing aerosol generation and patient-provider transmission.
• Evidence-based guidelines are crucial for optimizing patient and healthcare worker safety during anesthesia and surgery in the COVID-19 era.