Anesthesia and perioperative considerations for patients with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract

The timing of elective surgery is very important in patients, who suffered SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. According to a study of more than 100,000 patients, it takes approximately seven weeks to be safely admitted to elective surgery. In the case of emergency surgeries, the date of the surgery should be considered based on the patient's general condition and the expected improvement from the surgery. Surgery with a vital indication takes the greatest risk, as there is very little time and opportunity for preoperative examination in these cases. SARS-CoV-2 virus infection does not go away without a trace. Complications may include cardiopulmonary, coagulation, central nervous system, locomotor problems, acute renal failure, ionic and diabetic disorders, and gastrointestinal abnormalities, which may be short-term or long-term, and in some cases permanent. The preoperative examination strategy, the method of anesthesia (general or regional) and the intraoperative monitoring should be chosen according to the severity of these complications and the type of surgery. In the postoperative period, patients suffered with SARS-CoV-2 virus infection may require more frequent monitoring or intensive ward monitoring.