A prospective cohort study of the safety of breast cancer surgery during COVID-19 pandemic in the West of Scotland

Abstract

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Breast Reconstruction during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

“…In the place of ABR, several studies detailed exclusive use of implant-based reconstruction (in particular, direct-to-implant reconstruction), breast conservation surgery, or mastectomy alone. 6 , 13 , 14 , 17 , 18 , 21 – 23 , 26 , 27 Many authors cautioned the dangers of overlooking ABR and relying too heavily on implant-based breast reconstruction, and three studies described the successful resumption of ABR and established its safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. 4 , 15 , 24 , 25 One commentary described successful ABR in an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19 in March 2020, the early stage of the pandemic before COVID-19 guidelines had been established.…”

“…Ten studies commented on the timing of reconstruction. 4 , 5 , 13 , 17 , 25 , 26 , 30 , 33 – 35 Two studies described halting or reducing immediate breast reconstruction at the height of the pandemic. 13 , 17 Delayed breast reconstruction was halted in an effort to conserve resources and prevent exposure to COVID-19.…”

“… 4 , 5 , 13 , 17 , 25 , 26 , 30 , 33 – 35 Two studies described halting or reducing immediate breast reconstruction at the height of the pandemic. 13 , 17 Delayed breast reconstruction was halted in an effort to conserve resources and prevent exposure to COVID-19. 34 As the peak of the pandemic passed, many advocated for restarting immediate breast reconstruction, citing reasons for its superiority over delayed breast reconstruction, such as, less risk of exposure to COVID-19, conservation of healthcare resources, a smaller backlog of patients post-pandemic, and improved psychosocial outcomes for the patient.…”

“…Seven studies discussed COVID-19 screening and safety. 4 , 13 , 14 , 18 , 20 , 33 , 35 Techniques used to test for COVID-19 varied based on location and the phase of the pandemic. For example, before the use of RT-PCR tests, a low-dose computed tomographic scan was used to assess for COVID-19 pulmonary disease preoperatively.…”

Senology at the time of the coronavirus – What we did or should learn from the COVID-19 pandemic

“…In many breast cancer disease settings, significant decreases and delays in iden-tifying new cancers and deliver standard of care have been reported [5,6], which increased patients' worries and discomfort [7]. All steps of the breast cancer treatment pathway have been impacted, from radiologic [8], histopathologic [9] diagnosis and genetic testing [10], to loco-regional and systemic therapies [11][12][13]. Despite some general data suggest patients receiving cancer-directed therapy may have prolonged detectable coronavirus [14] and experience higher prevalence of both infection and hospitalization rates and worse outcomes [15,16], the little available evidence specific to breast cancer patients does not show differences in disease severity and outcomes compared to non-oncological COVID-19 patients [17].…”