Timing of surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international prospective cohort study
Authors: CovidSurg Collaborative, GlobalSurg Collaborative
Site: Barwon Health, VIC
During the pandemic, Dr Lambers joined an international research team called CovidSurg, contributing cases for worldwide comparison and analysis examining topics such as leg clots, isolation and vaccine effectiveness.
This study examines the risks associated with surgery following a Covid-19 infection, focusing on the optimal timing to minimise complications and mortality. The research highlights that patients with recent infection are at a higher risk of postoperative complications, especially respiratory issues and death.
The study analysed data from patients undergoing surgery across multiple hospitals worldwide in October 2020. Patients were categorised based on the time between their Covid-19 diagnosis and the surgery: 0–2 weeks, 3–4 weeks, 5–6 weeks, and 7+ weeks. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative mortality, with secondary outcomes including pulmonary complications like pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
It was found that surgery within the first 6 weeks after Covid-19 infection had a higher risk of death which normalised after 7 weeks. This period of increased risk was even longer for patients who had symptoms of Covid-19 during their infection. The study was able to provide evidence to guide decision making during the pandemic to ensure safe elective surgery practice, preventing possible harm. This critical work underscores the long-term implications of the pandemic on surgical care and the global healthcare system.
