Can patients with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection safely undergo elective surgery?. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Glasbey, James C.; Dobbs, Thomas D.; Abbott, Tom E.F.
• Is Part Of: British journal of anaesthesia. Volume 128:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 909
• Page End: 911
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- elective surgery -- outcomes -- patient safety -- perioperative medicine; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Anesthesia -- Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.03.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0912

Abstract

Summary: Current or recent infection with SARS-CoV-2 increases the risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Consensus guidelines recommend delaying elective major surgery after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection for 7 or 8 weeks. However, because of the growing backlog of untreated surgical disease and the potential risks of delaying surgery, surgical services may be under pressure to reduce this period. Here, we discuss the risks and benefits of delaying surgery for patients with current or recent SARS-CoV-2 infection in the context of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the limited evidence supporting delays to surgery, and the need for more research in this area.