Elective Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience from Taiwan
Background: This study review the impact of an evolving pandemic on our elective operations, the timely and necessary precautions made by our government and institution to prevent and contain its spread.
Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all Elective Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery done at our center from 1st January to 30th April 2020 compared to the same time period last year. A summary of the pathway for patients presenting to the hospital and healthcare worker surveillance was done.
Results: Total of 99 patients underwent elective operations from 1st January - 30th April 2020. There were 59 females and 40 males with an average BMI of 35.20 kg/m2 and 40.68 kg/m2 respectively. Compared from the same period last year with a total 117 patients, a decline of 18 elective operations (-15.38%) was noted. All patients were properly screened for COVID-19. There was no reported case of post-operative fever of unknown etiology and/or upper respiratory infections developing COVID-19. There were no reported mortality. No surgeons or any healthcare worker in our center reported with COVID-19. We continue to do and offer elective operations, offer online and telephone consultation and follow up.
Conclusion: Elective operations do not need to be postponed if you have early mitigation measures of a pandemic spread, prompt implementation of protocols and strict adherence to these measures.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Posted 05 Jun, 2020
Elective Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience from Taiwan
Posted 05 Jun, 2020
Background: This study review the impact of an evolving pandemic on our elective operations, the timely and necessary precautions made by our government and institution to prevent and contain its spread.
Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all Elective Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery done at our center from 1st January to 30th April 2020 compared to the same time period last year. A summary of the pathway for patients presenting to the hospital and healthcare worker surveillance was done.
Results: Total of 99 patients underwent elective operations from 1st January - 30th April 2020. There were 59 females and 40 males with an average BMI of 35.20 kg/m2 and 40.68 kg/m2 respectively. Compared from the same period last year with a total 117 patients, a decline of 18 elective operations (-15.38%) was noted. All patients were properly screened for COVID-19. There was no reported case of post-operative fever of unknown etiology and/or upper respiratory infections developing COVID-19. There were no reported mortality. No surgeons or any healthcare worker in our center reported with COVID-19. We continue to do and offer elective operations, offer online and telephone consultation and follow up.
Conclusion: Elective operations do not need to be postponed if you have early mitigation measures of a pandemic spread, prompt implementation of protocols and strict adherence to these measures.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3