Reconstructive Microsurgery in the COVID-19 Environment

Abstract

Summary The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to the plastic surgery field. Substantial changes have been incorporated in hospital and practice protocols in all branches of medicine. Organic medical teams were placed on scheduled shifts to prevent cross-infection, and some working teams were discontinued. Remote technology consultations and deliberations were instituted in hospitals and community medical services to maintain the flow of information on patient status. Several mitigation strategies were implemented during these times throughout medical facilities. We present those implemented in our facility to ensure adequate labor, resources, and facilities along with proper protocols for patient selection and management according to predetermined risk assessment criteria with the hope to assist the healthcare staff to minimize mortality risks.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Consequences on Microsurgical Reconstructions: A Single Center’s Shift of Indications

“…Studies have revealed divergence from standard clinical practices; some institutions have continued free tissue transfers, some on a limited basis, whereas others had halted it completely, and new protocols have been suggested. [6][7][8][9][10] Data from the United Kingdom have shown a reduced number of autologous breast reconstructions a few months into the pandemic, compared with the same period during the previous year. 10,11 We sought to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected microsurgical operations in terms of the number of surgeries and the patient population receiving a microsurgical reconstruction at a single center in Sweden, and compare these aspects with those during a normal year prior to the pandemic.…”