Cancellation Of Surgery Research Articles

Impact of Preoperative Testing on Patients Undergoing Ophthalmologic Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: Routine medical testing is not recommended before cataract surgery, but no consensus exists about preoperative testing before general ophthalmologic surgery. We aimed to assess the impact of preoperative testing on patients undergoing ophthalmologic surgery by analyzing their surgical outcomes and complications. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed electronic health records of patients who had preoperative evaluations before cataract or noncataract ophthalmologic surgery at a tertiary care center from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2019. Results: The cohort consisted of 2268 patients (1270 [56.0%] women). The most frequent ophthalmologic procedure was cataract extraction (n = 1450 [63.9%]). Laboratory tests results were available for 489 patients (33.7%) in the cataract group; of these, 275 results (56.2%) had abnormal values, and 18 patients (6.5%) required preoperative interventions. Preoperative test results were available for 772 out of 818 patients (94.4%) having noncataract procedures. Of these, 384 results (49.7%) had abnormal values, and 10 patients (2.6%) required additional intervention. No significant differences were observed for the rate of surgery cancellations between the cataract and noncataract patient groups (0.6% vs 1.0%; P = .24). Of the 12 patients (0.5%) who had complications, all had undergone preoperative testing. Conclusions: No differences in outcomes and complications were observed among patients who underwent cataract or noncataract surgery. It is reasonable to consider avoiding preoperative testing in patients undergoing ophthalmologic surgery.

Cancelación de procedimientos quirúrgicos electivos: Una agenda para la investigación en Colombia

Cancellation of scheduled surgeries is a latent problem in Colombia, which encompasses negative consequences for the patient (physically and psychologically), the health care personnel (well-being, atisfaction, performance) and the institution (cost-effectiveness). The rate of cancellation varies between 2,7 - 7,6%. Most cancellations are preventable and occur due to administrative or programming issues. In this document, we performed a review on the gaps of knowledge on this problem in Colombia, and we highlighted some points for the research agenda.

Safe Elective Surgical Practice During COVID-19 Pandemic - A Prospective Observational Study of 303 Elective Surgeries in the UK.

AimDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been worldwide cancellation of elective surgeries to protect patients from nosocomial viral transmission and peri-operative complications. With the unfolding situation, there is a definite need for an exit strategy to reinstate elective services. Therefore, more literature evidence supporting exit plans for elective surgical services is imperative to adopt a safe working principle. This study aims to provide evidence for safe elective surgical practice during the pandemic.MethodologyThis single centre, prospective, observational study included adult patients who were admitted and underwent elective surgical procedures in the trust’s COVID-free environment at the Birmingham Treatment Centre between May 19 and July 14, 2020. Data were collected on demographic parameters, peri-operative variables, surgical specialities, COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing results, post-operative complications and mortality. The study also highlighted the protocols it followed for the elective services during the pandemic.ResultsA total of 303 patients were included with mean age of 49.9 years (SD 16.5) comprising of 59% (178) female and 41% (125) male. They were classified according to the American Society of Anaesthesiologist Grade, different surgical specialities and types of anaesthesia used. Ninety-six percent (96%) of patients were discharged on the same day. Hundred percent (100%) compliance with pre-operative COVID-19 RT-PCR testing was maintained. There was no 30-day mortality or major respiratory complications.ConclusionCareful patient selection, simultaneous involvement of the pre-assessment and anaesthetic team, strict adherence to peri-operative protocols and delivering vigilant post-operative care for COVID-19 infection can help provide safe elective surgical services if the community transmission is under reasonable control. However, it is particularly important to maintain COVID-free safe environment for such procedures.

Gynecologic oncology and surgical oncology treatment modifications, cancellations or delays in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in public versus private cancer centers in North America

Objectives:The major shift in health-care resource utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic to support patients requiring mechanical ventilation and intensive care monitoring has led to unprecedented cancellations of elective surgeries and reductions of ambulatory clinic visits worldwide. The primary objective of this study is to determine whether the response to the pandemic resulted in modifications, cancellations or delays to the standard therapeutic algorithms for patients with gynecologic malignancies at tertiary, large-volume publicly funded Canadian cancer centers as compared to a privately funded American cancer center.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study of all surgical oncology and gynecologic oncology cases performed in the province of Ontario and at the University Health Network/Princess Margaret Cancer Center (UHN/PMH) as a surrogate for treatment delays, compared to all gynecologic oncology patients treated at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA, between March 3, 2020-June 30, 2020. Descriptive statistics and treatment times were analysed using SPSS 25.0Results:In the province of Ontario, between March 15, 2020-October 25, 2020, there was a 19% overall decrease in surgical oncology volumes compared to the same time period the previous year (March 17, 2019-Oct 17, 2019). There was an increase of 96% in high priority surgical oncology cases and a 43% decrease in low priority cancer cases. Surgeries for gynecologic malignancies decreased by 8% in the province of Ontario as compared to the previous year. At UHN/PMH, a publicly funded tertiary cancer center in Ontario, there was a 59.8% reduction in surgical oncology volumes between March 09, 2020-May 04 2020, as compared to the previous year (March 04, 2019-April 29 2019). In comparison, at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, a privately funded tertiary cancer center, there were 202 new gynecologic oncology patient referrals and 66 returning patients between March 3, 2020-June 30, 2020. The median time from referral to first consultation for new patients was 11 days (range 1-21) and the time to primary treatment was 31 days (range 5-157). New patients with ovarian malignancies had the shortest time to treatment of 22 days (range 5-157). There were no modifications made to the standard of care treatment plans for any patients and 5.7% of the patients had treatment delays.Conclusions:During the COVID-19 pandemic, the public Canadian healthcare system in the province of Ontario was subjected to a 19% reduction in surgical oncology volumes and 8% specifically for gynecologic oncology surgeries, while there was a 5.7% treatment delay for gynecologic oncology surgeries for a similar patient cohort treated at a tertiary cancer center in a privately funded health care system in the United States.

Breakin’ Up is Hard to Do! - Standardized Pre-Operative Phone Call

<h3>Background Information</h3> The University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center (UH CMC) operative services perioperative nursing and reception departments identified concerns related to patient complaints of day-of surgery delays and cancellations. At UH CMC there are over 130 surgeons representing 20 specialties that perform over 25,000 surgeries annually. Each surgeon's office would call the surgical patients the day prior to their surgery with a surgical time, arrival time, and where to report for registration. There are two adult surgery centers located at UH CMC on different floors quite far from one other. Different sets of instructions were given from each specialty with conflicting instructions related to NPO guidelines, arrival times, correct surgical center, registration location, and personal items needed day-of-surgery. <h3>Objectives of Project</h3> Pre-operative phone call ownership and standardization was needed to improve patient satisfaction, reduce day-of-surgery cancellations, optimize first case on-time starts, as well as ensure patients and families were properly instructed for their surgical procedures. <h3>Process of Implementation</h3> Urology patients were identified as the single-service pilot population. The perioperative nurses created a script based on this population's pre-operative questions and concerns during the pre-op calls. After 4 weeks, a script was developed by the nurses who conducted the calls. The nurses conducting the calls educated their peers, as well as the department secretaries. The information was then shared with each surgical specialty, to include a soft and hard rollout date. <h3>Statement of Successful Practice</h3> One month after the hard rollout date, the perioperative nurses and secretaries are conducting approximately 75 pre-operative phone calls to surgical patients daily. Outcomes to celebrate include improved first case on-time starts, decreased day-of-surgery cancellations, and increased patient satisfaction. <h3>Implications for Advancing the Practice of Perianesthesia Nursing</h3> Having one owner and a standardized process for pre-operative phone calls and communication with our patients may lead to improved quality, safety, and satisfaction.

COVID-19 pandemic and elective spinal surgery cancelations – what happens to the patients?

BACKGROUND CONTEXTThe COVID-19 pandemic caused nationwide suspensions of elective surgeries due to reallocation of resources to the care of COVID-19 patients. Following resumption of elective cases, a significant proportion of patients continued to delay surgery, with many yet to reschedule, potentially prolonging their pain and impairment of function and causing detrimental long-term effects.PURPOSEThe aim of this study was to examine differences between patients who have and have not rescheduled their spine surgery procedures originally cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to evaluate the reasons for continued deferment of spine surgeries even after the lifting of the mandated suspension of elective surgeries.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGRetrospective case series at a single institutionPatient SampleIncluded were 133 patients seen at a single institution where spine surgery was canceled due to a state-mandated suspension of elective surgeries from March to June, 2020.OUTCOME MEASURESThe measures assessed included preoperative diagnoses and neurological dysfunction, surgical characteristics, reasons for surgery deferment, and PROMIS scores of pain intensity, pain interference, and physical function.METHODSPatient electronic medical records were reviewed. Patients who had not rescheduled their canceled surgery as of January 31, 2021, and did not have a reason noted in their charts were called to determine the reason for continued surgery deferment. Patients were divided into three groups: early rescheduled (ER), late rescheduled (LR), and not rescheduled (NR). ER patients had a date of surgery (DOS) prior to the city's Phase 4 reopening on July 20, 2020; LR patients had a DOS on or after that date. Statistical analysis of the group findings included analysis of variance with Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) post-hoc test, independent samples T-test, and chi-square analysis with significance set at p≤.05.RESULTSOut of 133 patients, 47.4% (63) were in the ER, 15.8% (21) in the LR, and 36.8% (49) in the NR groups. Demographics and baseline PROMIS scores were similar between groups. LR had more levels fused (3.6) than ER (1.6), p= .018 on Tukey HSD. NR (2.1) did not have different mean levels fused than LR or ER, both p= >.05 on Tukey HSD. LR had more three column osteotomies (14.3%) than ER and (1.6%) and NR (2.0%) p=.022, and fewer lumbar microdiscectomies (0%) compared to ER (20.6%) and NR (10.2%), p=.039. Other surgical characteristics were similar between groups. LR had a longer length of stay than ER (4.2 vs 2.4, p=.036). No patients in ER or LR had a nosocomial COVID-19 infection. Of NR, 2.0% have a future surgery date scheduled and 8.2% (4) are acquiring updated exams before rescheduling. 40.8% (20; 15.0% total cohort) continue to defer surgery over concern for COVID-19 exposure and 16.3% (8) for medical comorbidities. 6.1% (3) permanently canceled for symptom improvement. 8.2% (4) had follow-up recommendations for non-surgical management. 4.1% (2) are since deceased.CONCLUSIONOver 1/3 of elective spine surgeries canceled due to COVID-19 have not been performed in the 8 months from when elective surgeries resumed in our institution to the end of the study. ER patients had less complex surgeries planned than LR. NR patients continue to defer surgery primarily over concern for COVID-19 exposure. The toll on the health of these patients as a result of the delay in treatment and on their lives due to their inability to return to normal function remains to be seen.

Doctors Strike During COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia

Doctors Strike During COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia

Impacts of COVID-19 and elective surgery cancellations on platelet supply and utilization in the Canadian Province of British Columbia.

Background and ObjectivesThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic raised concerns about the vulnerability of platelet supply and the uncertain impact of the resumption of elective surgery on utilization. We report the impact of COVID‐19 on platelet supply and utilization across a large, integrated healthcare system in the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC).Materials and MethodsHistorical platelet use in BC by indication was compiled for fiscal year 2010/2011–2019/2020. Platelet collections, initial daily inventory and disposition data were assessed pre‐COVID‐19 (1 April 2018–15 March 2020) and for two COVID‐19 time periods in BC: a shutdown phase with elective surgeries halted (16 March–17 May, 2020) and a renewal phase when elective surgeries resumed (18 May–27 September 2020); comparisons were made provincially and for individual health authorities.ResultsHistorically, elective surgeries accounted for 10% of platelets transfused in BC. Initial daily supplier inventory increased from baseline during both COVID‐19 periods (93/90 units vs. 75 units pre‐COVID‐19). During the shutdown phase, platelet utilization decreased 10.4% (41 units/week; p < 0.0001), and remained significantly decreased during the ensuing renewal period. Decreased platelet utilization was attributed to fewer transfusions during the shutdown phase followed by a decreased discard/expiry rate during the renewal phase compared to pre‐COVID‐19 (15.2% vs. 18.9% pre‐COVID‐19; p < 0.0001). Differences in COVID‐19 platelet utilization patterns were noted between health authorities.ConclusionDecreased platelet utilization was observed in BC compared to pre‐COVID‐19, likely due to a transient reduction in elective surgery as well as practice and policy changes triggered by pandemic concerns.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Elective Inpatient Surgical Admissions: Evidence From Maryland

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic led to large-scale cancellation and deferral of elective surgeries. We quantified volume declines, and subsequent recoveries, across all hospitals in Maryland. Materials and MethodsData on elective inpatient surgical volumes were assembled from the Maryland Health Service Cost Review Commission for years 2019-2020. The data covered all hospitals in the state. We compared the volume of elective inpatient surgeries in the second (Q2) and fourth quarters (Q4) of 2020 to those same quarters in 2019. Analysis was stratified by patient, hospital, and service characteristics. ResultsSurgical volumes were 55.8% lower in 2020 Q2 than in 2019 Q2. Differences were largest for orthopedic surgeries (74.3% decline), those on Medicare (61.4%), and in urban hospitals (57.3%). By 2020 Q4, volumes for most service lines were within 15% of volumes in 2019 Q4. Orthopedic surgery remained most affected (44.5% below levels in 2019 Q4) and Plastic Surgery (21.9% lower). ConclusionsCOVID-19 led to large volume declines across hospitals in Maryland followed by a partial recovery. We observed large variability, particularly across service lines. These results can help contextualize case-specific experiences and inform research studying potential health effects of these delays and cancellations.

Tympanostomies and tonsillar surgery in children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland.

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of social restrictions due to COVID‐19 on the number of tympanostomies and tonsillar surgeries in children.MethodsIncidences were calculated per 100 000 children for tonsillar surgery and tympanostomies in 2020 and compared to the mean incidence of referral years 2017 to 2019 by incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Median waiting times were also compared.ResultsBefore the lockdown, tonsillar surgery incidence was 33.4/100000 (IRR 1.14, CI 0.76‐1.71) in February 2020. After the lockdown began, the incidence of tonsillar surgery was 1.4/100000 (IRR 0.04, CI 0.01‐0.15) in April. In June, tonsillar operation incidence started to increase (20.4 per 100 000). The incidence of tympanostomies was 81% lower (IRR 0.19, CI 0.09‐0.39) in April 2020 and 61% lower (IRR 0.39, CI 0.22‐0.69) in August 2020 than in 2017‐2019. These incidence rates remained lower all year (December 2020 IRR 0.13, CI 0.05‐0.33). Median waiting time for tonsillar surgery was 3.3 months in 2020 and 1.6 months in 2017 to 2019; P <.001, and for tympanostomies 1.3 months in 2020 and 1.0 months in 2017 to 2019, P <.001. The referral rate to otorhinolaryngology during the severest restrictions was 35% lower in April and May 2020 compared with the reference years.ConclusionThis study suggests that the restrictions against COVID‐19 reduced the incidence rates of tonsil surgery and tympanostomies in children. Also, the lockdown and cancellations of elective operations in spring 2020 led to increased waiting times. These findings may help in preparing for future pandemics.Level of evidence: Level 3.

Comparative analysis of the anaesthesia management of gynecological operations between the normal period and COVID-19 pandemic

Aim&#x0D; In the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV/SARS-CoV-2) disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period, one of the major objectives of the anaesthesia team was providing quality care for patients whose procedures cannot (or can no longer) be postponed while limiting the risk of contamination of these patients and healthcare professionals. The aim of this study is to analyse and document the changes in anaesthesia management of gynecological operations in accordance with this objective during the pandemic period. &#x0D; Methods&#x0D; A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who had gynecological operation from 01.09.2019 to 31.12.2020. Anaesthetic management of gynecological operations corresponding to the pandemic process (After Pandemic Group) were compared with anaesthetic management of gynecological operations from the before the pandemic process (Before Pandemic Group) . Anaesthesia records of the patients were examined. The following parameters are recorded: Surgery type, indication of the surgery, urgency of the surgery and anaesthesia method performed, airway management of the patients, used medications for the anaesthesia management.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results&#x0D; There was an increment in the percentage of operations performed with regional anaesthesia after the start of the pandemic. There was a statistically significant decrement in the percentage of operations performed with laparoscopic technique after the start of the pandemic. There was an increment in the percentage of operations with oncologycal or suspected oncologycal indications after the start of the pandemic; there was no difference in the percentage of urgent surgeries while there was a decrement in the percentage of operations with elective indications.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; By taking alterations and fluctations in community prevalence into consideration, decisions about cancellation of surgeries must be made dynamically. Possibility of COVID-19 infection must be considered in every patient. In anaesthesia management, regional anaesthesia methods may be considered in appropriate cases. Proper PPE must be used if airway manipulations are needed.

Concerns and coping strategies of older adult Veterans in Canada at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic, including associated public health measures such as travel restrictions, cancellation of elective surgeries, and the closure of public spaces and retail services (full list available at: https://github.com/jajsmith/COVID-19NonPharmaceuticalInterventions ), has resulted in risks to the health and well-being of Veterans, including disruptions to healthcare, loss of income, social isolation, and viral infection and mortality. Although a few studies are ongoing to better understand who may be at greatest risk, little is known about how Veterans experienced the pandemic and what coping strategies they employed at the outset. This infographic summarizes national cross-sectional survey responses collected from 210 Veterans aged 55 years and older who participated in the Canadian COVID-19 Coping Study between May-June 2020 (Women’s College Hospital Research Ethics Board REB # 2020-0045-E). The average age of Veterans who participated was 72 years; 29% were female, 93% completed the survey in English and 84% were retired. This population is older and more likely to be female than the gen-eral Veteran population.4 None of the Veterans included in this study had been diagnosed with COVID-19 at the time of study. A total of 11% had a family member or friend with a diagnosis or symptoms, and less than 5% had a family member or friend hospitalized, or who died as a result of COVID-19.

The Case for Mandating COVID-19 Vaccines for Health Care Workers.

The Case for Mandating COVID-19 Vaccines for Health Care Workers.

Information technology-based joint preoperative assessment, risk stratification and its impact on patient management, perioperative outcome, and cost.

Background: Despite negative recommendations, routine preoperative testing practice is nearly universal. Our aim is to bring the healthcare providers on one platform by using information-technology based preanaesthetic assessment and evaluate the routine preoperative testing’s impact on patient outcome and cost. Methods: A prospective, non-randomised study was conducted in a teaching hospital during January 2019-August 2020. A locally developed software and cloud-computing were used as a tool to modify preanaesthesia evaluation. The number of investigations ordered, time taken, cost incurred, were compared with the routine practice. Further data were matched as per surgical invasiveness and the patient's physical status. Appropriate tests compared intergroup differences and p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Data from 114 patients (58 in routine and 56 in patient and surgery specific) were analysed. Patient and surgery specific investigation led to a reduction in the investigations by 80-90%, hospital visit by 50%, and the total cost by 80%, without increasing the day of surgery cancellation or complications. Conclusion: Information technology-based joint preoperative assessment and risk stratification are feasible through locally developed software with minimal cost. It helps in applying patient and surgery specific investigation, reducing the number of tests, hospital visit, and cost, without adversely affecting the perioperative outcome. The application of the modified method will help in cost-effective, yet quality and safe perioperative healthcare delivery. It will also benefit the public from both service and economic perspective.

Turning a Crisis Into an Opportunity: Promoting Professional Development Among Perioperative Personnel During a Pandemic.

ABSTRACTThe perioperative setting is a complex, high‐risk working environment. Ensuring adequate staffing with highly competent nurses remains a top priority to sustain safe patient care. However, there are barriers to individual professional advancement in hospitals, including costs and lack of support or time, which can lead to decreased nurse satisfaction. After the mandated cancellation of elective surgery in March 2020 resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, leaders at a medical center decided to turn this difficult situation into an opportunity to re‐engage their perioperative personnel in professional development. More than 70 staff members participated in activities related to certification, continuing education, clinical advancement, and cross‐training. Elective surgery has since resumed, and as a result of the pursuit of professional development opportunities, staff member turnover did not increase throughout the transition at the medical center. Interest in professional growth has been reignited and staff members are excited about future development opportunities.

Evaluating factors associated with the cancellation and delay of elective surgical procedures: a systematic review.

Elective surgery cancellation is considered a fundamental problem in health care services-it causes considerable disruption to patient flow, further eroding often already stretched operating capacity, and consequentially reduces both hospital performance and patient satisfaction. This research presents a systematic review (SR) of the reasons for surgery cancellation among different hospitals and countries. By highlighting these causes, we identify how to reduce cancellations, thereby improving the use of surgical capacity and resources and creating a more predicable patient flow. An SR was performed on elective surgery cancellation in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis and by assessing the methodological quality of SR with Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews guidelines. There are different reasons for surgery cancellation that vary between hospitals. This SR demonstrates that hospital-related causes (e.g. unavailable operation room time, inappropriate scheduling policy and lack of beds) are the primary reason for surgery cancellation, followed by work-up related causes (e.g. medically unfit and changes in the treatment plan) and patient-related causes (e.g. absence of a patient and patient refusal). This review demonstrates that the main causes for surgery cancellation can be controlled by hospital managers, who can aim to improve areas such as patient flow and capacity management. Ultimately, this will improve the quality of healthcare delivered by hospitals.

Management of intra operative priapism after spinal anesthesia with intravenous glycopyrrolate and intracorporeal injection of ultra low dose of phenylephrine- A case report

Priapism following neuraxial anesthesia or general anesthesia is a rare but problematic event which may result in delay, complication or even cancellation of scheduled operations in urological endoscopic procedures. We present a case of successful management of intra operative priapism in a 32 years old male under spinal anesthesia posted for Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL) of bilateral ureteric stone.Different therapies for management of intra operative priapism have been quoted in the past like intracorporeal injection of vasopressors, dorsal penile nerve block, intravenous glycopyrrolate, intravenous ketamine/dexmedetomidine etc. In this case we treated with intravenous glycopyrrolate and intracorporeal injection of ultra low dose phenylephrine.

Triaging Out of Elective Surgeries during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Wrong Approach?

The devastating burden of COVID-19 on the health of individuals and capacities of health systems has led to blanket cancellations of elective surgeries globally. In response, surgery and anesthesia societies worldwide have published perioperative guidelines to inform the continuation of elective surgical procedures during the pandemic, as well as the resumption of services in the post-pandemic phase. The effects of these widespread cancellations on the health of patients or the overall cost to the health systems are unclear. This commentary aims to review current literature on the cancellation of elective surgeries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, summarize recommendations from several perioperative guidelines, and discuss key considerations for the resumption of elective surgeries in the post-pandemic world.

Patients who will undergo elective inpatient surgery as a priority group to receive vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

Patients who will undergo elective inpatient surgery as a priority group to receive vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

From cellular function to global impact: the vascular perspective on COVID-19.

Since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic a year ago, our understanding of its effects on the vascular system has slowly evolved. At the cellular level, SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — accesses the vascular endothelium through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor and induces proinflammatory and prothrombotic responses. At the clinical level, these pathways lead to thromboembolic events that affect the pulmonary, extracranial, mesenteric, and lower extremity vessels. At the population level, the presence of vascular risk factors predisposes individuals to more severe forms of COVID-19, whereas the absence of vascular risk factors does not spare patients with COVID-19 from unprecedented rates of stroke, pulmonary embolism and acute limb ischemia. Finally, at the community and global level, the fear of COVID-19, measures taken to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and reallocation of limited hospital resources have led to delayed presentations of severe forms of ischemia, surgery cancellations and missed opportunities for limb salvage. The purpose of this narrative review is to present some of the data on COVID-19, from cellular mechanisms to clinical manifestations, and discuss its impact on the local and global surgical communities from a vascular perspective.