Chest Computed Tomography for SARS-CoV-2 Screening before Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Given that obesity is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in COVID-19, bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) has become increasingly critical. Computed tomography (chest CT scan) may be a valuable preoperative screening method for BMS candidates during this COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A prospective, single-center study was conducted in June 2020. Two study cohorts were evaluated: a surgical team group and a BMS patient group. Screening was performed with RT-PCR and a CT scan. The COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) assessment was used as mandatory COVID-19 screening. Patients classified as category 1 and 2 were considered safe to undergo BMS; category ≥3 surgery was canceled. The BMS patient group was monitored for 28 days after surgery for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, postoperative complications, adverse effects, and deaths were tracked.Results: The study included 240 participants, comprising the surgical team group (n = 6) and the BMS patient group (n = 234). In total, 213 were female (88.8%), the median age was 40 years, and the median weight and BMI were 111.1 kg and 40.23 kg/m2 respectively. Only CO-RADS category 1 was reported in the surgical team group, while in the BMS patient group, category 1 was reported in 231 participants (98.7%). In the BMS patient group, during the follow-up period, only two participants (0.83%) tested positive for COVID-19 (RT-PCR). No deaths were reported. Conclusion: Chest CT scans are useful for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in patients undergoing BMS, therefore enable healthcare and surgical teams to perform surgeries safely during this COVID-19 pandemic.