Recently, we took a look at what the future of elective surgery could be in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals and surgeons here in the UK are obviously watching closely the experience in other countries and reviewing the data on potential increased surgical risks at this time.
A large international study has just been published in the Lancet Online, looking at the risks associated with Coronavirus infection after major surgery. This multi-centre study gathered data from 235 hospitals in 24 countries on patients who underwent surgery after a Coronavirus infection was confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery.
Encompassing 1,128 patients, the study found that postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Risks were higher with emergency surgery, male patients, patients over 70, patients with cancer or other serious health problems and patients undergoing major surgery. One interpretation that the study authors drew was that the thresholds for surgery should be higher than in normal circumstances for these groups, particularly in men aged 70 years and older.
For more advice, Mr Simon Bridle is still available for consultations, either by telephone or video link. Consultations can be arranged by contacting his PA Adriana, or by contacting the appointments team at Fortius Clinic, Parkside Hospital or St Anthony’s Hospital.
Contact details:
Adriana: 020 8947 9524 or bridle@fortiusclinic.com
Parkside Hospital: 020 8971 8026
St Anthony’s Hospital: 020 8335 4678 or 020 8335 4679
Fortius Clinic: 020 3195 2442
