COVID-19 in the operating room: a review of evolving safety protocols

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has already infected more than 3 million people across the world. As the healthworkers man the frontlines, the best practices model is continuously evolving as literature concerning the Coronavirus develops. METHODS: A systematic review of the available literature was performed using the keyword terms “COVID-19”, “Coronavirus”, “surgeon”, “health-care workers”, “protection” and “Orthopaedic Surgery”. All peer-reviewed articles we could find were considered. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective trials and retrospective studies, as well as reviews and case reports, were included in this systematic review. RESULTS: Even though surgical specialties including orthopedics are on the relative sidelines of the management of this pandemic but best practices models are inevitably developed for surgical specialties. The algorithm of postpone, delay, and operate only when life-threatening conditions exist is going to be useful up to a point. CONCLUSION: The surgical staff needs to keep abreast of the latest literature concerning safety measures to be taken during surgical procedures. Review articles can go some distance in helping in this educational process. This knowledge must evolve as new information comes to light.