Our analysis revealed that preoperative haemoglobin concentration, occurrence of significant complications and type of minimal access oesophagectomy predicted blood transfusion requirements in the patient population examined.
Introduction
The safety of resuming elective surgical services remains unclear following several surges of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. Multiple studies have reported high rates of post-operative mortality and pulmonary complications. We present 30-day outcomes on an initial cohort of patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery at 3 central London hospitals.
Materials and methods
This study is a retrospective review of the first 63 patients undergoing surgery following the first UK surge via a modified treatment pathway, based on published national guidelines, designed to minimise the risks to patients and staff associated with COVID-19.
Results
90% of patients were ASA 1 or 2, with an average age of 46. All tested negative for COVID-19 pre-operatively and all but one underwent a general anaesthetic. 10 patients required one night hospital stays and 1 was admitted for four nights. 52 were day case procedures. 2 complications were identified, not relating to COVID-19 infection. No 30-day mortalities or pulmonary complications were recorded.
Conclusions
With a community prevalence of COVID-19 of between 1 in 1500 and 1 in 1700, elective foot and ankle surgery was safe following the first surge of the pandemic in the UK. This data can guide elective service planning in countries with pandemic curves behind the UK’s or in the event of further surges in national cases.
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