| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
|
| Year : 2022 | Volume
: 27
| Issue : 4 | Page : 455-461 |
Challenges and changes in pediatric surgical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic Era
Nirkhi R Shah, Jaishri Ramji, Maheshkumar Manilal Vaghela, Charul Mehta, Arif Vohra, Rakesh S Joshi
Department of Pediatric Surgery, B. J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Correspondence Address:
Rakesh S Joshi
F7 Pediatric Surgery Ward, Civil Hospital, Asarwa, Ahmedabad - 380 016, Gujarat
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/jiaps.jiaps_142_21
Aim: Working practices in pediatric surgery underwent enormous changes during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. While certain surgical conditions in children can be managed temporarily with nonsurgical options, most neonates with congenital surgical malformations require emergent operations. We discuss the challenges faced; measures adopted in dealing with surgical emergencies and analyze the diagnoses and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 infection in our institute during the pandemic era.
Materials and Methods: When the lockdown was imposed, it was mandated that all elective procedures should be put on hold. We formulated criteria for triaging procedures as emergent, urgent, and elective. A standard operating protocol was devised regarding admission, pre and postoperative management. Protocols for surgical procedures were established in a separate Covid-designated operation room including a specified sequence of donning and doffing personal protective equipment.
Results: In the COVID era, from March 23, 2020 to mid-July 2021, 1282 surgeries have been done in our department, 344 emergencies and 461 planned procedures, which include 31 COVID-19 positive cases, with overall good outcomes. 103 emergency surgeries were done during the first wave (March-end to June 2020), and 103during the second wave (April to mid-June 2021). Moreover, not a single healthcare worker in the department has been infected.
Conclusion: Pediatric Surgeons are adapting to the new guidelines to continue to provide emergency services with safe and effective care to their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, focus on personal and staff protection is ensured to keep the healthcare workers healthy and able to discharge their duties adequately.
[FULL TEXT] [PDF]*
|
