Perioperative considerations for COVID-19 patients: lessons learned from the pandemic -a case series

• Published in: Korean journal of anesthesiology Vol. 73; no. 6; pp. 557 - 561
• Main Authors: Yek, Jia Lin Jacklyn, Kiew, Sheng Chuu Anne, Ngu, James Chi-Yong, Lim, Jimmy Guan Cheng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Society of Anesthesiologists 01-12-2020; 대한마취통증의학회
• Subjects: Aged; Case Report; communication; coronavirus; covid-19; COVID-19 - prevention & control; COVID-19 - surgery; Health Personnel; Humans; infection control; Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional - prevention & control; Male; Occupational Exposure - prevention & control; Pandemics; perioperative care; Perioperative Care - methods; perioperative period; Personal Protective Equipment; Transportation of Patients - methods; 마취과학; COVID-19; Personal protective equipment; Coronavirus; Pandemics; Perioperative care; Perioperative period; Communication; Infection control
• ISSN: 2005-6419; 2005-7563; 2005-7563
• DOI: 10.4097/kja.20182

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic spreads globally, hospitals are rushing to adapt their facilities, which were not designed to deal with infections adequately. Here, we present the management of a suspected COVID-19 patient.
A 66-year-old man with a recent travel history, infective symptoms, and chest X-ray was presented to our hospital. Considering his septic condition, we decided to perform an emergency surgery. The patient was given supplemental oxygen through a face mask and transported to an operating theatre on a plastic-covered trolley. An experienced anesthetist performed rapid sequence intubation using a video laryngoscope. Due to the initial presentation of respiratory distress, the patient remained intubated after surgery to avoid re-intubation. Precautions against droplet, contact, and airborne infection were instituted.
Our objective was to facilitate surgical management of patients with known or suspected COVID-19 while minimizing the risk of nosocomial transmission to healthcare workers and other patients.