Introduction: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an exceedingly infectious, life threatening condition. The outbreak has created unprecedented and extraordinary threats and difficulties for societies and health care systems worldwide. In neurosurgical practice, intensive modifications have been required in surgical scheduling, administration of inpatient and outpatient clinics, management of emergency cases, and even in academic and educational activities. The authors analyzed the volume and spectrum of neurosurgery patients who underwent surgery at their institution during the period of COVID-19 related lockdown.
Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all COVID positive patients who had neurosurgery performed between March 2020 and May 2021 at our hospital which is a tertiary care center.
Results: In these trying times, performing emergency neurosurgical procedures was preferred over definitive surgeries and the outcome was encouraging. In view of COVID positive status, due precautions were taken while performing the surgeries which included the usage of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and PAPR (Positive Air Pressure Respirator), however there were drawbacks with usage of these equipment.
Conclusion: The surgical disciplines face substantial challenges during the COVID 19 pandemic and effects on surgical profession will be lasting. Many of the changes that have been instituted during the pandemic are the new reality, and the surgical community must learn to evolve with and accept these changes. Adaptability is the need of the hour, and the future of the profession depends on it. Taking adequate precautions and following a meticulous technique resulted in a positive outcome and delivered encouraging results.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
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