Our Summary

This research paper is about a new method the authors have developed for handling cancer surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes a new Informed Consent (an agreement patients sign to show they understand the risks and benefits of a treatment) and a plan (algorithm) to manage surgeries safely.

Before any surgery, patients need to fill out a symptoms questionnaire and get a COVID-19 test. If both the questionnaire and the test results are negative, the surgery proceeds as planned. However, if the questionnaire or the test is positive, the patient must wait for 21 days and then retake the test before the surgery can be scheduled.

The new consent form covers both the usual risks and benefits of the surgery and the additional risks related to COVID-19. It also discusses the possibility of the medical team changing at short notice due to the pandemic, and the potential for unexpected complications that might require emergency procedures that couldn’t be discussed in advance.

The authors conclude that during the pandemic, it’s crucial to develop specific methods like these to ensure that surgical patients are safe and fully informed about their care.

FAQs

  1. What is the new method for handling cancer surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  2. What precautions are taken before scheduling a surgery for a patient during the pandemic?
  3. What additional information does the new Informed Consent form cover in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oncologic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic is to follow all pre-surgery protocols, including filling out a symptoms questionnaire and getting a COVID-19 test. It’s important to be honest about any symptoms or potential exposure to the virus to protect yourself and others. Additionally, understanding the new informed consent form and being aware of the potential risks and changes in the surgical plan due to the pandemic is crucial for a successful surgery outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for oncologic surgery are those with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer that can be treated surgically. This includes patients with solid tumors, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and melanoma, among others.

Patients who are in good overall health and are able to tolerate surgery are also recommended for oncologic surgery. This includes patients who do not have significant comorbidities that would increase the risks associated with surgery, such as heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease.

Additionally, patients who have a good prognosis with surgery, meaning that the surgery is likely to result in a positive outcome in terms of cancer treatment and overall survival, are also recommended for oncologic surgery.

Overall, the decision to recommend oncologic surgery for a patient is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health and ability to tolerate surgery, and the potential benefits and risks of the surgery.

Timeline

  • Before surgery:
  1. Patient fills out symptoms questionnaire.
  2. Patient undergoes COVID-19 test.
  3. If both are negative, surgery proceeds as planned.
  4. If either is positive, patient must wait 21 days and retake test before surgery.
  • After surgery:
  1. Patient is monitored closely for post-operative complications.
  2. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to track progress and discuss further treatment options.
  3. Patient receives support and guidance for recovery and managing any side effects of the surgery.
  4. Long-term follow-up care is provided to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence or complications from the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about oncologic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic include:

  1. What specific measures are being taken to ensure my safety during the surgery in light of the COVID-19 pandemic?
  2. How will my surgery be affected if I test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms related to the virus?
  3. How will the potential for the medical team to change at short notice due to the pandemic impact my care?
  4. What emergency procedures related to COVID-19 complications should I be aware of?
  5. How will the informed consent process be different due to the additional risks associated with COVID-19?
  6. What steps are being taken to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission during my hospital stay for surgery?
  7. How will my follow-up care be managed differently during the pandemic?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options that should be considered in light of the current situation?
  9. How will delays in scheduling my surgery due to COVID-19 impact my long-term outcome?
  10. What resources are available to support me emotionally and mentally during this challenging time?

Reference

Authors: de Cássio Zequi S, Franca Silva ILA, Duprat JP, Coimbra FJF, Gross JL, Vartanian JG, Makdissi FBA, Leite FPM, Costa WHD, Yazbek G, Joaquim EHG, Bussolotti RM, Caruso P, de Ávila Lima MC, Nakagawa SA, Aguiar S Jr, Baiocchi G, Lopes A, Kowalski LP. Journal: J Surg Oncol. 2021 May;123(8):1659-1668. doi: 10.1002/jso.26452. Epub 2021 Mar 8. PMID: 33684245