Considerations for the Emergency and Perioperative Management of Patients with COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is a threat to global health, which is multiplying rapidly due to its high degree of contagiousness; some of these patients will require surgical services and anesthesia care for endotracheal intubation. Protecting staff members and preventing cross transmission of infection during airway approaches and surgical procedures for patients with known or suspected COVID-19 infection is paramount, preserving the capacity of health systems. Careful planning, consensual clinical decision-making, and rigorous personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required; avoid performing nonessential or urgent surgical procedures that generate greater viral exposure. The medical teams during the perioperative period will face unexpected inconveniences therefore, and due to the continuous management, that is evolving, this article aims to discuss the essential PPE, describe the modifications in the management of the airway, and cite the particular precautions consequent to the surgical act.