V3 Is re-introducing major open and minimally invasive surgery during COVID-19 safe for patients and healthcare workers? An international, multi-centre cohort study in the field of oesophago-gastric surgery. (8th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alasmar, Mohamed; Kausar, Afsana; Borgstein, Alexander; Moons, Johnny; Doran, Sophie; de Pascale, Stefano; Restrepo, Rafael; Verrengia, Apollonia; Alloggio, Mariella; Delgado, Ana Moro; del Val, Ismael Díez; Kumar, Sacheen; Giocapuzzi, Simone; Baiocchi, Gian Luca; de Vega Irañeta, Marta; Salcedo, Gabriel; Vorwald, Peter; Romario, Uberto Fumagalli; Nafteux, Philippe; Gisbertz, Suzanne; Chaudry, Asif; Alkhaffaf, Bilal
• Is Part Of: BJS open. Volume 5:Supplement 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04-08
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrab034.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2474-9842

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented and challenging changes to surgical practice, especially with the suspension of cancer surgery. There have been concerns regarding Covid-19 risk and infection to patients and healthcare workers, during major complex open surgical intervention, especially with minimally invasive surgery. This study examines the COVID-19 related risks to patients and healthcare workers following the re-introduction of major oesophago-gastric (OG) surgery. Methods: This was an international, multi-centre, cohort study of open and minimally invasive oesophagectomy and gastrectomy procedures in specialist Upper GI centres, over a consecutive period of two months. Patients were recruited from nine European centres serving regions with a high population incidence of COVID-19 infections. 30-day operative morbidity and mortality data was collected for patients. All staff involved in the operative care of patients, were invited to complete a health-related survey. Results: A total of 158 patients were included in the study (71 oesophagectomy, 82 gastrectomy), of which 87 patients (57%) underwent minimally invasive surgery (59 esophagectomy, 28 gastrectomy). A total of 403 staff were eligible for inclusion of which 313 (78%) completed the health survey. Non- standardised precautions to minimise against the risks of COVID for patients and staff were implemented at the centres. There were no cases of Covid-19 among patients in the post-operative period, however, two healthcare workers developed self-limiting COVID infection. Conclusion: Precautions to minimise COVID-19 infection risk to healthcare staff and patients, have allowed the safe and successful reintroduction of major open and minimally invasive OG surgery.