The British Rhinology Society National COVID-19 Study: Resuming Elective Surgery

Abstract

Background: As elective services resumed in the aftermath of the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the British Rhinology Society and Juniors Committees carried out a national prospective study in order to assess and optimise safety and efficacy of surgery. Methodology: Data from 1063 cases was collected from 111 centres in the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) within the study period (1st June – 14th August 2020), and a three week follow-up period to assess whether there were any cases of SARS-CoV-2 amongst patients and staff. Results: 89.2% of procedures took place in England. 90.6% of patients had minimal comorbidities (ASA Grade 1 or 2). 98.4% of patients were known to have a COVID negative status prior to surgery, with the majority (99.8%) investigated through Viral PCR alone. The most common form of pre-operative shielding was to self-isolate for 14 days (82.5% of cases). 32.6% of cases were performed in an alternative theatre environment, and in 5.3% the private sector was used for NHS patients. In 21.6% of procedures, unfamiliar anaesthetic teams were used, and in 19.2% unfamiliar theatre teams. There was a higher probability of unfamiliar theatre staff or anaesthetist, when operating in an alternative theatre environment. Trainees were not present in theatre in 24.2% of cases. Full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) was worn by the operating surgeon in 64.1% of cases. No patients or staff were reported to have developed SARS-CoV-2 in the three week period following surgery. Intra-operative challenges were reported in 19.7% of cases and were primarily associated with impaired communication (8.8%) or impaired vision (6.9%). There was a higher chance of challenges reported when unfamiliar theatre teams were present. Conclusions: This data suggests that overall, the resumption of rhinological elective services has been performed safely with no cases of SARS-CoV-2 reported in patients or staff. We must consider the challenges of operating in unfamiliar environments together with surgical and/or anaesthetic teams, as well as the impact on training.