Actions of the anesthesiologist to face COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: Since the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China, the first cases of a viral pneumonia began, which became one of the biggest scourges on global health: the SARS CoV-2 pandemic. In Cuba, the first cases began in March, 2020. In the perioperative context there are issues that require special attention. The work of anesthesiologists involves taking into consideration particular strategies to promote safety and avoid contagion during the procedures that require their intervention.

Objective: Describe and show the main results of the perioperative action protocol for the anesthesiological conduction of patients scheduled for elective surgical procedure during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Method: Descriptive study, which included patients scheduled and surgically operated electively between March 2020 and January 2021. The patients had mostly oncological diseases, with no history of contact with any positive or suspected COVID-19 patient; a PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was added to its preoperative study in the 72 hours prior to surgery or proceeding performed, and a second PCR in the immediate postoperative period.

Results: The loco-regional anesthetic method prevailed. The surgical procedures by the open route exceeded those of laparoscopic technique. It was found one case with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR in the postoperative period.

Conclusions: The efficacy of implementing the coping protocol in surgical patients was demonstrated. Specialists involved with the management of the area pathway must have algorithms and the necessary material to ensure adequate perioperative care.

Keywords: Pandemic; coronavirus; SARS-CoV-2; anesthesia; perioperative; surgery.