Recommendations for the management of emergency surgery, trauma and critical care procedures in the context of the covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Conditions requiring emergency surgery and trauma care are still common in emergency systems and require immediate evaluation and timely resolution even during a pandemic as is currently happening with COVID-19, a scenario that threatens to affect their capacity to provide care5,8. In these cases, certain measures must be taken for the special care of health care workers and their patients, who are often admitted in critical condition and require an immediate surgical intervention that does not allow for any delay. For this purpose, an algorithm should be developed with recommendations which include a checklist to guide surgeons working in emergency and trauma systems about the issues to consider for the appropriate management and treatment of these conditions and for preparation of perioperative environments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ultimate goal is to maintain adequate care with the necessary and required protection in each case5,8,11, raising awareness of the importance of preserving capacity to respond to these conditions that routinely occur in our community.