Introduction: There is scarce data on the impact of COVID on surgical risks and recovery. We conducted a study among patients with past history of covid infection for elective surgeries in our surgery OPD from Oct. 2020 to March 2021 A comparison was made between those with past history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and those without a previous infection were done. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality.
Results: 13 patients with various spectrums of covid infection with 4 patients showing significant past history requiring oxygen therapy during the infection. Average duration of a COVID infection was 6 weeks ± 1.2 weeks. 4 patients the surgery was delayed due to residual sequelae. All patients underwent PFT, X-ray chest PA view, ECG, echo, ABG, ambulatory oxygen saturation prior to surgery with CT done only among those with severe covid pneumonia. All patients were electively evaluated by anesthetists and underwent general anesthesia with smooth post operative course. A majority of them charged within a 7 ± 7.5 days . 2 required prolonged stay. Comparing those with post covid infections with those without covid infections all cause morbidity and mortality was not different between the two groups. However average stay in the hospital as well as cost of evaluation and surgery was definitely higher.
Conclusion: A strategic algorithms needs to be formulated for excellent pre and post operative outcomes following elective surgeries in previously positive patients.
Key words: covid infection, elective surgery, residual effects, outcomes
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