Thoracic Oncologic Surgery in Covid-19 Pandemic: Short Term Outcomes

Authors : Zeynep BİLGİ

Pages : 815-818

Doi:10.33808/clinexphealthsci.951533

View : 15 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 2021-10-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: After sustained community spread of Coronavirus Disease – 19 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(COVID-19);, guidelines regarding safe practice are still evolving. In this article, we evaluated our clinic’s oncologic thoracic surgery practice in COVID-19 pandemic via an observational retrospective study. Methods: All cases insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(including local anesthesia only);, were recorded in the hospital electronic medical record system. Patients undergoing procedures for cancer related causes insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(resection, diagnosis, palliation, treatment facilitation); were retrospectively identified. Patient demographic data, type of operation/procedure, 30 day SARS-COV-2 PCR test data, hospital readmission due to COVID-19, 30 and 90 day mortality were gathered. Group 1 and 2 were operated between 1 June 2019 – 11 March 2020 and 12 March 2020 – 31 December 2020, respectively. Results: 344 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Group 1= 178, Group 2= 166); patients underwent thoracic surgery due to cancer related causes during the study period. Surgical or COVID-19 related mortality were not encountered in either group. After initiation of mandatory testing, 3 asymptomatic patients were found to be PCR positive and had surgery rescheduled insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2 lung resections, 1 mediastinoscopy);. Number of lung resection cases increased post- COVID-19 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(25 vs 45, p<0.001);. None of the postoperative patients experienced PCR conversion. Conclusion: Safe elective thoracic surgery practice is possible via following basic safety precautions and following evolving national guidelines. Even though routine preoperative SARS-COV-2 PCR testing catches asymptomatic cases that can cause mortality/morbidity for patients and staff, social distancing and other infection control measures have to be in place to prevent in hospital and post-operative SARS-COV-2 PCR conversion.
Keywords : COVID 19 Pandemic, Elective Surgical Procedure, Lung cancer, Thoracic Surgery