Calleros-Hernández NA, Cruz-López FJ, Ramos-Fernández-Villanueva J, De Haro-Estrada JA, Sánchez-García FJ, Tejera MA, Moya-Arteta MG, Sosa-Sáenz F, Dittmar-Johnson HM

Language: Spanish
References: 6
Page: 131-135
PDF size: 89.74 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Given the health crisis that resulted from the outbreak of the COVID-19, we as spine surgeons have made adjustments in our professional practice to lower the risk of infections of our healthcare workers, administrative personnel, and patients themselves. With these adjustments, we also aimed to optimize the use of available resources in health institutions and reduce preoperative risks in cases in which postponing a surgery is not an option. For this reason, it is of utmost importance to correctly identify patients that require emergent surgical intervention. After a thorough review and analysis of the available literature for consultation and surgical care protocols during this pandemic, we listed a series of recommendations for patient care with spinal pathology. It must be considered that these should be adjusted concerning the epidemiological phase and the resources of each entity. We created a classification of surgical pathologies to aid dividing patients into four categories: emergency, urgent, semi-elective, and elective. We consider it necessary to emphasize that these recommendations are a flexible guide. In addition to the given suggestions, treatments should be based on the patient’s individual needs, as well as the surgeon’s judgement, since a limited group of neurologically stable patients with spinal cord disease may eventually deteriorate during the course of this contingency, warranting emergency treatment afterwards.

REFERENCES

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