COVID-19 en la biopsia selectiva de ganglio centinela: el invitado inesperado

OBJECTIVE: To describe the measures taken within the COVID-19 contingency plan concerning sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) procedures and to assess their impact on healthcare activity. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative, descriptive and retrospective study of SNB procedures conducted during the lockdown period of COVID-19 (14/03 to 11/05 2020). Analysis of measures taken to minimise the chances of contagion and PCR outcomes of patients and staff. Comparison with SNB procedures conducted in the same time interval in 2019. Daily activity of lymphoscintigraphy and radioguided surgery (RGS) by medical indication. Numerical and percentage calculation of RGS by hospital and daily requirements for human resources in nuclear medicine. RESULTS: Forty-two SNB were performed, representing 31.1% less than those conducted in the same period in 2019. The medical indication of breast cancer showed the greatest activity decrease (n = 18, 41.9%). RGS was performed in 45.2% of patients in Hospital Clínic, 31.0% in Maternitat, 16.7% in Plató and 7.1% in Sant Joan de Déu Hospital. Concerning the human resources required, the initial planning was accomplished in 77% of the days (24/31). All the PCR samples from patients (n = 42) and RGS staff (n = 9) were negative for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 negatively influenced the healthcare activity of SNB in Hospital Clínic, but was compensated by adequate planning, based on prior analysis of the procedure's processes, which allowed adaptation of material and personnel resources to the changing circumstances. This allowed flexibility, which in turn enabled compliance with the established schedule.