Anesthetic Considerations for Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Procedures during COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: Coexistence with COVID-19 infection in Cuba is a current challenge of adaptation to all hospital and health settings, creation of protocols and new models of care. The airway approach in its different forms represents a risk of contamination of the health personnel.

Objective: To describe the anesthetic considerations in laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A qualitative, action-research study was carried out, supported by the analysis of documents and participant observation of the actions taken in the National Center for Minimally-Invasive Surgery in the course of four months after the first case of COVID-19 was identified in Cuba.

Results: Anesthetic recommendations were established for the action procedure during COVID-19 in the National Center for Minimally-Invasive Surgery, which dictate the actions for the treatment of patients and the protection of workers. This makes it possible to maintain the quality of surgical medical services in these risk settings.

Conclusions: Assessment and standardized anesthetic treatment of patients in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak and in the post-COVID phase allows optimizing the safety of the patient and the healthcare personnel. It is important to comply with the protocols aimed at controlling strictly the surgical setting, proper use of personal protective equipment, reduction of aerosols with barrier methods, and disinfection of the room and equipment at the conclusion of the intervention.