Surgery in COVID-19 patients: operational directives

• Main Authors: Federico Coccolini, Gennaro Perrone, Massimo Chiarugi, Francesco Di Marzo, Luca Ansaloni, Ildo Scandroglio, Pierluigi Marini, Mauro Zago, Paolo De Paolis, Francesco Forfori, Ferdinando Agresta, Alessandro Puzziello, Domenico D’Ugo, Elena Bignami, Valentina Bellini, Pietro Vitali, Flavia Petrini, Barbara Pifferi, Francesco Corradi, Antonio Tarasconi, Vittoria Pattonieri, Elena Bonati, Luigi Tritapepe, Vanni Agnoletti, Davide Corbella, Massimo Sartelli, Fausto Catena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2020-04-01
• Series: World Journal of Emergency Surgery
• Subjects: Coronavirus; COVID-19; Epidemic; Pandemic; Mass casualties; Management
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13017-020-00307-2
• ISSN: 1749-7922

Abstract The current COVID-19 pandemic underlines the importance of a mindful utilization of financial and human resources. Preserving resources and manpower is paramount in healthcare. It is important to ensure the ability of surgeons and specialized professionals to function through the pandemic. A conscious effort should be made to minimize infection in this sector. A high mortality rate within this group would be detrimental. This manuscript is the result of a collaboration between the major Italian surgical and anesthesiologic societies: ACOI, SIC, SICUT, SICO, SICG, SIFIPAC, SICE, and SIAARTI. We aim to describe recommended clinical pathways for COVID-19-positive patients requiring acute non-deferrable surgical care. All hospitals should organize dedicated protocols and workforce training as part of the effort to face the current pandemic.