Biosafety in Surgical Environments during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 posed a great challenge to surgical services worldwide, resulting in modifications, including the suspension of surgical activity in some cases with the aim of ensuring safety for both the patient and the health personnel.

Objective: To describe actions that contribute to guarantee biosafety conditions in surgical environments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out using 37 bibliographic references in English and Spanish. Scientific sources, such as PubMed/Medline, SciELO, Scopus and ScienceDirect, were consulted; as well as official sources, such as the World Health Organization.

Development: When elective surgery was resumed, action protocols were created. Patients should be classified into 3 groups, according to the possibility of having COVID-19: healthy individuals, asymptomatic carriers, and patients with symptoms. In addition, priority should be given to patients whose procedures have been cancelled. Independent and isolated wards are recommended to be created in order to avoid contact between suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases and the rest of the patients. To ensure greater safety, the medical personnel should be trained in the correct use of personal protective equipment. The anesthetic induction of these patients should ensure their safety and prevent contagion. Once the surgery is over, the initial recovery of the patient will be carried out inside the operating room itself, which shall be strictly sanitized.

Conclusions: Healthcare professionals must be adequately trained and be aware of the biosecurity measures and healthcare protocols of both the hospital and the country where they are located.