EP.WE.858Risk of Post-Operative COVID-19 Infection Following Breast Surgery. (28th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akosile, Catherine; Ravichandran, Duraisamy; Knight, Alexandra; James, Ruth; Kirkpatrick, Katharine
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 108:Supplement 7(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-28
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab308.102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: To study the risk of post-operative COVID-19 infection in patients undergoing breast surgery during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Methods: We continued to perform surgery for breast cancers and other urgent breast conditions during the pandemic in a dedicated "Green" operating theatre in a COVID-19-free hospital. NHS guidance regarding staff and patient COVID-19 screening and patient self-isolation period changed frequently during the study period, and recommended guidance was followed. PPE was worn by theatre team. Patient records were subsequently reviewed for a positive COVID-19 swab or a COVID-19-related hospital admission within 8 weeks of surgery. Results: 96 consecutive operations were performed by 4 consultants between April and August 2020. All but 14 were for breast carcinoma. Median age 56 (21-89). Median ASA grade 2 (1-3). 64 patients had negative preoperative COVID-19 swabs, others in the early stages were screened with chest X-ray or CT. 83% (n = 80) were done as day cases. Among breast cancer operations there were 17 mastectomies, bilateral in 2 cases. There was no cases of COVID-19 positivity or COVID-19-related hospital admission post-operatively. Conclusions: Breast surgery, done mainly as day case, did not predispose patients to COVID-19 infection in the postoperative period when guidelines were followed. Concern about postoperative COVID-19 infection should not be a cause of surgical delay in any future waves, which can be potentially harmful to breast cancer patients.