The management of surgical patients during the coronavirus dieases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic brought up several issues regarding the management of surgical patients. The aim of the current study was to clarify the management of oncological and surgical patients during the pandemic. Methods Relevant publications reporting on the epidemiology of the pandemic, the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the clinical management of cancer and ; surgical patients, as well as studies concerning health care workers’ safety, were ; included. The last date of search was April 4th, 2020. Results Twenty-eight papers were included in the analysis. Real Time PCR was considered the gold standard for diagnosis of COVID-19, while CT scan was ; considered useful for cases of diagnostic uncertainty. Cancer patients and surgical ; patients were confirmed to be particularly at risk of infection and negative outcome. In ; order to guarantee adequate care to these patients, while minimizing the risk for ; infection, the early postponing of elective surgery, the creation of COVID-free ; facilities and the identification of COVID- dedicated operating theaters and teams ; have been proposed. The correct use of PPE was also strongly advocated, along with the institution of facilities for psychologic support of health care workers. Conclusions Clinicians should be aware of the importance of providing adequate care to patients with urgent and non- deferrable clinical issues, such as cancer. Every effort should be made in order to contain the virus spread in the hospital setting. Also, clinicians should value the importance of self-protection and mental health care.