ABSTRACT
Aims Peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection is of particular concern for surgeons and their patients due to the high morbidity and mortality. In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 screening in preventing peri-operative infections in a region with a low incidence of infection. Methods Data was collected prospectively on all patients who underwent urological surgery after the exponential phase of the pandemic. The primary outcome was the development of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients. The secondary outcome was SARS-CoV-2 infections in healthcare workers. Results During the 6-week period following the exponential phase of the pandemic 136 procedures were performed. Ninety-nine (73%) patients had pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 swabs. Forty (29%) had a pre-operative CT Thorax. No patient was found to have SARS-CoV-2 infection pre-operatively. Five (3.6%) of patients developed symptoms that required a second SARS-CoV-2 swab in the post-operative period, all 5 (100%) were negative. No patient developed SARS-CoV-2 infection in the follow-up period, and no member of the urology team developed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that elective urological surgery can be safely performed in a region with a low incidence of SARS-CoV-2 with pre-operative screening. We report no cases of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection or deaths among 136 patients undergoing urological surgery.