Selective and Elective Surgeries During COVID-19 Epidemics

Abstract

Background and Aim: Covid-19 is spreading in the world and the governments are taking further steps to curb the rate of virus infection. An increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 has led to a challenging condition and we have to decide to decrease or stop elective surgeries. Materials and Methods: Using keywords of elective surgery, emergency surgery, coronavirus, Covid 19, we searched Persian and international databases (SID Magiran, Iranmedex, Google Scholar, Medline, Scopus, Elsevier, Pubmed, Sciencedirect) for the related English or Persian studies. Finally, we selected 31 articles. Results: All hospitals and surgeons must draw up a plan to limit, postpone or cancel elective scheduled operations, endoscopy, or other invasive procedures until the necessary health care facilities and measures for the patients are available. Conclusion: During the current Covid-19 epidemic protection of hospital resources such as hospital beds and ICUs, respirators, and patients and staff is necessary. It is recommended that hospitals stop elective surgeries. Accurate clinical judgment should be considered as the determinative factor in performing operations

Keywords

• elective surgery
• emegent surgery
• covid-19
• medical judgment