Open AccessMorbidity and Mortality in Patients with Perioperative COVID‐19 Infection: Prospective Cohort in General, Gastroesophagic, Hepatobiliary, and Colorectal Surgery
Author(s) -
Inzunza Martin,
Romero Cecilia,
Irarrázaval María Jesús,
RuizEsquide Magdalena,
Achurra Pablo,
Quezada Nicolás,
Crovari Fernando,
Muñoz Rodrigo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
world journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.115
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1432-2323
pISSN - 0364-2313
DOI - 10.1007/s00268-021-06068-6
Subject(s) - medicine , perioperative , prospective cohort study , elective surgery , vascular surgery , abdominal surgery , colorectal surgery , cardiac surgery , cardiothoracic surgery , surgery , complication
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome due to coronavirus 2 has rapidly spread worldwide in an unprecedented pandemic. Patients with an ongoing COVID‐19 infection requiring surgery have higher risk of mortality and complications. This study describes the mortality and morbidity in patients with perioperative COVID‐19 infection undergoing elective and emergency surgeries. Methods Prospective cohort of consecutive patients who required a general, gastroesophageal, hepatobiliary, colorectal, or emergency surgery during COVID‐19 pandemic at an academic teaching hospital. The primary outcome was 30‐day mortality and major complications. Secondary outcomes were specific respiratory mortality and complications. Results A total of 701 patients underwent surgery, 39 (5.6%) with a perioperative COVID‐19 infection. 30‐day mortality was 12.8% and 1.4% in patients with and without COVID‐19 infection, respectively ( p < 0.001). Major surgical complications occurred in 25.6% and 6.8% in patients with and without COVID‐19 infection, respectively ( p < 0.001). Respiratory complications occurred in 30.8% and 1.4% in patients with and without COVID‐19 infection, respectively ( p < 0.001). Mortality due to a respiratory complication was 100% and 11.1% in patients with and without COVID‐19 infection, respectively ( p < 0.006). Conclusions 30‐day mortality and surgical complications are higher in patients with perioperative COVID‐19 infection. Indications for elective surgery need to be reserved for non‐deferrable procedures in order to avoid unnecessary risks of non‐urgent procedures.