Regional anesthesia during COVID-19 pandemic: A minireview and practical recommendations

Abstract

Background and aims: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed many challenges for healthcare workers around the world. This study aims to present the most appropriate and evidence-based scientific advice for safe regional anesthesia practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: To perform regional anesthesia during respiratory disease outbreaks, several databases were investigated, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Up-to-date, and ScienceDirect. Searches were in English during a timeframe spanning from February 15, 2019, until February 15, 2021, and the applied keywords were "COVID-19 anesthesia", "surgery", and "operating room" Results: We have focused on definite areas such as workforce and resource planning, modification of clinical setting, preparation of equipment, supplies, and medications, selection of proper personal protective equipment (PPE), cardiorespiratory monitoring of the patient, and sedation and oxygen therapy. Other fields were assessing safe regional anesthesia techniques and monitoring during anesthesia, post-anesthesia care, and follow-ups. In these recommendations, keeping the patients safe while protecting healthcare providers from potential exposure to infection is of particular interest. Conclusion: The safety of healthcare workers and patients during the anesthesia management of suspected and positive COVID-19 cases is of utmost importance. Although there is limited evidence regarding performing regional anesthesia, these presented suggestions summarize the best accessible data and explain some doubts in this respect.

The relationship between mental health and perceived social support with the post traumatic growth model through the mediating role of coping strategies in COVID-19 recovered patients

“…COVID-19, the most recent of these viruses, caused a human pandemic in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 (3,4). Since COVID-19 is risky for those who are diagnozed with it, its diagnosis may have a negative impact on the patients' mental state (5). Cao et al (6) conducted a study titled "the psychological impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on college students in China", discovering that 24% of the participants experienced anxiety.…”