Perioperative management of the patient with COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Currently, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has put health systems to the test throughout their world. The impact of surgical stress and anesthesia on predisposition to a new COVID-19 infection or exacerbation of the infection in a COVID-19 infected patient to be operated on is unknown. Although COVID-19 mortality is between 1-5%, most deaths have occurred in elderly patients with underlying cardiopulmonary conditions, most of them hypertensive, diabetic and obese, therefore, it should be specially attention in its handling. Carefull perioperative preparation and planning is key in successfully achieving adequate clinical care and maintaining the safety of the health team in a difficult and high risk moment. An additional role for the anesthesiologist, considering that he has the most experience in the management of the airway, is to support the emergency services for endotracheal intubation of patients who require ventilatory support, being a procedure with very specific protection recommendations. Therefore, there is a commitment as specialists, to know the subject thoroughly and protect ourselves along with the health team involved in saving lives during this contingency.