Infection control in operating rooms for COVID-19 patients
10.5124/jkma.2021.64.7.491
- Author:
Seong Su LEE
1
;
Su Jin KIM
;
Jong Eun JUNG
;
Gunn Hee KIM
;
Mi Young KWON
;
Mi Jung YUN
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Continuing Education Column
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2021;64(7):491-498
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Surgeries performed for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) place the medical staff at very high risk of infection. We suggest recommendations for appropriate operation preparation, anesthetic management, and infection control for COVID-19 patients in operating rooms.Current Concepts: Surgeries must be performed in an airborne infection isolation room, such as a negative-pressure operating room. It is recommended that scheduled surgeries for COVID-19 patients be postponed to an acceptable extent, with the exception of emergency cases. Moreover, the number of medical staff participating in the surgery should be minimized. Medical staffs should practice proper hand hygiene and wear an appropriate level of personal protective equipment depending on the infection risk. While performing surgery and inducing anesthesia in COVID-19 patients, endotracheal intubation should be performed by trained anesthesiologists with a video laryngoscope, preferably using high-efficiency viral filters, which can prevent contamination in the anesthesia machine. Use of disposable equipment or COVID-19 patient-specific devices is recommended to prevent the spread of infection, but instruments that require sharing among multiple patients must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before their use for the next patient.Discussion and Conclusion: Medical staff performing surgeries for COVID-19 patients are at very high risk of infection. Therefore, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, high-efficiency viral filters in breathing circuits during anesthesia, and disinfection of contaminated equipment after the operation are mandatory.
