Positive SARS-CoV-2 detection on intraoperative nasopharyngeal viral testing is not associated with worse outcomes for asymptomatic elective surgical patients

Abstract

BackgroundIt has been demonstrated that surgical patients with COVID-19 are at increased risk for postoperative complications. However, this association has not been tested in asymptomatic elective surgical patients.MethodsA retrospective cohort study among elective gynecological and spine surgery patients at a single tertiary medical center from July 2020 through April 2022 (n = 1,130) was performed. The primary endpoint was prolonged (>75th percentile for the corresponding surgical service) length of stay. Secondary endpoints included postoperative respiratory complications, duration of supplemental oxygen therapy, and other major adverse events. The association between SARS-CoV-2 detection and the above outcomes was investigated with univariate and multivariable analyses.FindingsOf 1,130 patients who met inclusion criteria, 30 (2.7%) experienced intraoperative detection of SARS-CoV-2. Those with intraoperative viral detection did not experience an increased incidence of prolonged length of stay [16.7% vs. 23.2%; RR, 0.72 (95% CI, 0.32–1.61); P = 0.531] nor did they have a longer mean length of stay (4.1 vs. 3.9 days; P = 0.441). Rates of respiratory complications [3.3% vs. 2.9%; RR, 1.15 (95% CI, 0.16–8.11); P = 0.594] and mean duration of supplemental oxygen therapy (9.7 vs. 9.3 h; P = 0.552) were similar as well. All other outcomes were similar in those with and without intraoperative detection of SARS-CoV-2 (all P > 0.05).InterpretationAsymptomatic patients with incidental detection of SARS-CoV-2 on intraoperative testing do not experience disproportionately worse outcomes in the elective spine and gynecologic surgical population.

Outcomes of Liver Cancer Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery after Recovering from Mild SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…Recently, Quinn et al found no significant correlation between postoperative outcomes of COVID-19 patients and infection within 4 weeks or 7 weeks before surgery, as well as vaccination status [16]. Another study on elective spine and gynecologic surgeries suggested that asymptomatic COVID-19 patients with incidental intraoperative SARS-CoV-2 positivity did not experience worse outcomes [17]. An updated guideline from the United Kingdom recommended that patients should avoid elective surgery within 2 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection [18].…”