Adapting Surgical Practices Amidst COVID-19: Ensuring Safety Through Protocols, PPE, and Testing in Emergency Surgeries

Sasi Kumar S ¹, Gopinath S ², Kalaichezhian M ³,  Harish M ⁴*

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of strict surgical protocols during COVID-19, ensuring patient and staff safety during emergency surgeries.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted surgical practices worldwide, leading to the postponement of non-emergency surgeries and requiring the implementation of new safety protocols. This study examines changes in surgical protocols during the pandemic to minimize virus transmission. Methods: A case report of a 45-year-old male requiring emergency surgery was analyzed. Preoperative management included strict infection control protocols, real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) testing, and full personal protective equipment (PPE) usage. The surgery was conducted in a negative pressure operating room, with minimal staff present, followed by rigorous postoperative monitoring. Results: The surgery was successfully performed without complications. The patient tested negative for COVID-19 preoperatively and postoperatively, and the surgical team remained healthy. During the study period (January–October 2020), 50 surgeries were performed, with no COVID-19 transmissions recorded among patients or staff. Conclusion: Strict infection control measures, preoperative COVID-19 testing, and the use of negative pressure environments allowed emergency surgeries to be performed safely. These protocols effectively minimized the risk of virus transmission, demonstrating that life-saving surgeries can continue during a pandemic when proper precautions are followed. This framework provides valuable guidance for healthcare systems managing surgical practices during current and future pandemics.

Keywords: COVID-19, surgery, infection control, pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE).

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