Impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on surgical practice - Part 1. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Al-Jabir, Ahmed; Kerwan, Ahmed; Nicola, Maria; Alsafi, Zaid; Khan, Mehdi; Sohrabi, Catrin; O'Neill, Niamh; Iosifidis, Christos; Griffin, Michelle; Mathew, Ginimol; Agha, Riaz
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery. Volume 79(2020)
• Page Start: 168
• Page End: 179
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: Novel coronavirus -- COVID-19 -- Surgery; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2020.05.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9191

Abstract

Abstract: The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in over 4.5 million confirmed cases and over 300, 000 deaths. The impact of COVID-19 on surgical practice is widespread, ranging from workforce and staffing issues, procedural prioritisation, viral transmission risk intraoperatively, changes to perioperative practice and ways of working alongside the impact on surgical education and training. Whilst there has been a growing literature base describing the early clinical course of COVID-19 and on aspects of critical care related to treating these patients, there has been a dearth of evidence on how this pandemic will affect surgical practice. This paper seeks to review the current evidence and offers recommendations for changes to surgical practice to minimise the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights: COVID-19 has a broad impact on surgical practice including in case prioritisation, operative technique and workforce planning. Telemedicine virtual clinics are to be encouraged where possible. Elective and non-urgent surgeries must be postponed. Consider safe non-surgical management of patients.