ABSTRACT

Aim The current COVID-19 pandemic is giving a challenge to the healthcare systems at a global position [1]. We discuss a method to re-evaluate protocols for performing colorectal surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, both elective and emergency cases. Method Authors from various areas affected by the COVID-19 emergency, define the vital- points to be discussed and evaluated. Investigations were carried out, regarding aspects specific to colorectal surgery at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the administrative management of the pandemic in India. The information (based on limited experience and evidence available) were evaluated and summarized. Results The knowledge of the mode of transmission of COVID-19 is still limited, but it has shown a swift person to person spread [2]. It's wise to temporarily hold non-cancer procedures and give more priority to critical cancer treatment. It’s prudent to perform endoscopy and proctological procedures only for selected patients. Currently it’s advisable to follow a conservative approach in patients with colorectal emergencies requiring treatment. Selected procedures ought to be performed before and while performing surgery on COVID-19- patients, the use of dedicated personal protective equipment (PPE) kits ought to be mandated and specific rules and safety protocols ought to be followed. There are some policies which outline the safety protocols for patients undergoing colorectal surgery which includes minimally-invasive surgery. Entry and Exit into operating theatres and operating building should be strictly regulated and recommendation on how to perform minor procedures safely should be given thus minimising the spread of infection. It has become obvious that a reorganization of health system is needed, both at central and local levels. An outline is provided about the strategy that India has developed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion Recommendation for the management of patients requiring surgery for colorectal conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic is currently inadequate. Hence based on experiences from healthcare professionals that have managed large quantities of surgical patients during the pandemic lessons were learnt that could be useful if adopted by the healthcare system, thus making the system better at reducing the risks and reduce exposure to other patients, public and healthcare staff.
Publication date: 15/02/2022

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2022/February/MS_IJBPAS_2022_FEB_SPCL_1028.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2022/11.2.1028