Aim The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for the medical and surgical healthcare systems. With the ongoing need for urgent and emergency colorectal surgery, including surgery for colorectal cancer, several questions pertaining to operating room (OR) utilization and techniques needed to be rapidly addressed.Method This manuscript discusses knowledge related to the critical considerations of patient and caregiver safety relating to personal protective equipment (PPE) and the operating room environment.

Many patients do not have restoration of bowel continuity after undergoing Hartmann's procedure. Hartmann's reversal is associated with a significant postoperative morbidity. Surgeons and patients should be aware of the possibility that the colostomy might become permanent.

This is the first study to evaluate changes in thyroid hormone levels following LSG for morbid obesity. TSH decrease and steady levels of FT4 are expected following LSG. These findings are comparable to reported changes following LRYGB. TSH decrease was not associated with EWL. Further studies are required to elucidate the exact mechanism of this effect.

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