Incidence and severity of postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery following COVID-19 infection at a tertiary care center in South India

Abstract

Background: The occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and other sequelae of COVID-19 infections like thromboembolic events in patients coming for surgery following COVID-19 infection in the Indian population had not been adequately studied. Aim of the Study: We evaluated the incidence of PPCs, acute kidney injury, and thromboembolic complications such as pulmonary embolism, deep-vein thrombosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and 30-day mortality rate in post-COVID-19 patients undergoing surgery compared to those without a history of COVID-19 infection. Settings and Design: It was a retrospective, observational, case–control study conducted in a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty-six post-COVID-19 surgical patients were included. A matched control group ( n = 166) was formed by choosing patients with no history of COVID-19 who underwent similar surgical procedures under a similar technique of anesthesia. Their medical records were analyzed for the development of postoperative pulmonary and nonpulmonary complications and 30-day mortality. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent samples t -test and Chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of patients in the control group was significantly higher than those in the post-COVID-19 group. The number of patients who received two doses of vaccine was also significantly higher in the control group. Comparison of the distribution of preexisting medical conditions and postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and incidence of 30-day mortality did not show any significant difference in both groups. Conclusion: Incidence of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality in post-COVID-19 patients undergoing surgical procedures were comparable with patients with no history of COVID-19 infection.

Incidence of perioperative complications in COVID-19 survivors: Prospective observational clinical trial

“…It has been reported that the complication rate may be low because the study was performed in a period when the Omicron variant was common. [ 7 ] Delta variant was common in our country during the study period. As it is known, disease severity was higher in the Delta variant compared to Omicron.…”

“…As it is known, COVID-19 affects all body systems, but mainly the respiratory system. [ 7 ] According to the subgroup analysis, we found that the incidence of perioperative airway complications and the need for postoperative oxygen support also decreased independently, as the time from COVID-19 to the operation was prolonged.…”

“…Many studies revealed an increased rate of postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, the study of Abraham et al [ 7 ] found that postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and 30-day mortality were comparable in post-COVID-19 patients and in patients with no history of COVID-19. Even after 3 years, there is still no consensus on the timing of elective surgery in patients recovered from COVID-19.…”