COVID-19 Masquerading as Postoperative Surgical Complications after Cancer Surgery

Abstract

While the world suffers from pandemic of novel coronavirus infection, also known as COVID-19, the elective surgeries were deferred in most centers due to diversion of services. Cancer surgeries unlike others are considered urgent hence cannot be delayed beyond a point. COVID-19 might disguise itself as prolonged postoperative course and complications. Retrospective audit of cancer surgeries performed from 23rd March 2020 to 31st March 2021 at our cancer center in rural India was done. Up to 3 months after surgery was considered postoperative period for the purpose of this study. Seven hundred ninety-three cancer surgeries were performed. Out of these, eight patients had unusually prolonged postoperative recovery and complications. Symptoms varied from unexplained fever to diarrhea to wound healing problems. Unfortunately, one patient died of complications. Since a lot is yet to be discovered about the virus-host interaction, hence surgeons should take preemptive measures for any unusual postoperative behavior especially in the time of this pandemic and high index of suspicion should be there for coronavirus infection.

COVID-associated complications after reconstructive breast surgery: a retrospective cohort study

“…For oncological surgery a few case series described heightened risks for postoperative complications including impaired wound and anastomotic healing in COVID-positive patients as well [ 28 , 29 ]. Similarly, unusual cases of wound dehiscence have been described in pressure ulcer surgery with local reconstruction.…”

Association of major postoperative wound and anastomotic complications in thoracic surgery with COVID-19 infection

“…Laparotomy scar of one patient broke 3 months postoperatively. All cases with impaired wound healing were tested positive for COVID-19 infection [ 7 ]. Ridwan et al reviewed 579 surgeries performed at the cardiac surgery department.…”