Translation, adaptation, and validation of the MeNTS score in colombian population: The MeNTS Col score.

Objective: To evaluate and validate the medically necessary and time sensitive score by testing the variables, in order to create a surgical preoperative score for procedure prioritization in COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia. Methods: A multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study of instrument validation with a cultural adaptation and translation into the Spanish language was carried out in Bogota, Colombia. Patients over 18 years of age who had undergone elective procedures of general surgery and subspecialties were included. The translation of the medically necessary and time sensitive score into Spanish was performed independently by two bilingual surgeons fluent in both English and Spanish. A final version of the Spanish questionnaire (MeNTS Col) for testing was then produced by an expert committee. After translation and cultural adaptation, it was submitted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the medically necessary and time sensitive score. Cronbach's α was used to represent and evaluate the internal consistency and assess reliability. Results: A total of 172 patients were included, with a median age of 54 years; of which 96 (55.8%) patients were females. The vast majority of patients were treated for general surgery (n = 60) and colon and rectal surgery (n = 31). The evaluation of the internal consistency of the scale items in Spanish version was measured, and values of 0.5 for 0.8 were obtained. In the reliability and validation process, Cronbach's α values in all items remained higher than 0.7. The new MeNTS Col model was analyzed, and a result of 0.91 was obtained. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the medically necessary and time sensitive, the MeNTS Col score, and its respective Spanish translation perform similarly to the original version. Therefore, they can be useful and reproducible in Latin American countries.

Endoscopy mitigation strategy with telemedicine and low-cost device use for COVID-19 prevention: A fourth-level Colombian center experience.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The COVID-19 outbreak has reorganized surgical team conditions regarding endoscopy. The number of interventions has been reduced, the number of healthcare professionals must be limited, and both the patients and physicians are more protected than ever. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the highest peak of contagion in Colombia, endoscopy, colonoscopy, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were performed using a low-cost disposable device. A total of 1388 procedures were performed. Every patient was assessed for symptoms via a telephone call, at the health center, and after the procedure, following specific attention routes. RESULTS: After procedure follow-up, no positive cases of COVID-19 were noted. CONCLUSION: The methodology reduced the risk of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Surgery during the SARS-COV-2 / COVID-19 pandemic: the effect of particle aerosol generation on surgical scenarios

Hasta el momento no se ha publicado información conclusiva que respalde la teoría de que los virus respiratorios se transmitan a través del humo quirúrgico o el neumoperitoneo. Por lo tanto, las alertas sobre los riesgos de la laparoscopia emitidas durante las primeras semanas de la pandemia deben ser analizadas con precaución y a la luz de la evidencia cambiante sobre el tema. Tanto la cirugía abierta como la laparoscópica tienen el potencial de generar aerosoles de partículas y por lo tanto, en ambos escenarios es fundamental la protección de todo el equipo de trabajo dentro del quirófano. En todos los procedimientos durante la época de pandemia, se deben buscar las estrategias más efectivas para controlar las potenciales fuentes de trasmisión y minimizar la exposición del personal en los momentos de mayor riesgo, relacionados con el manejo de la vía aérea y las cavidades del paciente. La siguiente es una revisión narrativa de literatura sobre las cirugías durante la pandemia del SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 y el efecto de los aerosoles durante estos procedimientos, con el fin de integrar y dar a conocer las principales medidas que se han propuesto a nivel global, para manejar este nuevo grupo de pacientes To date no conclusive information has been published to support the theory that respiratory viruses are transmitted through surgical smoke or pneumoperitoneum. Therefore, alerts about the risks of laparoscopy issued during the first weeks of the pandemic should be viewed with caution and in light of changing evidence on the subject. Both open and laparoscopic surgery have the potential to generate aerosols of particles and therefore, in both scenarios, the protection of all the surgical team within the operating room is essential. In all procedures during the pandemic season, the most effective strategies should be sought to control potential sources of transmission and minimize staff exposure at times of greatest risk related to the management of the patient's airway and cavities. The following is a narrative review of the literature on surgeries during the SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 pandemic and the effect of aerosols during these procedures, in order to integrate and publicize the main measures that have been proposed globally, to manage this new group of patients