LAUSR

Resumen Debido a la actual pandemia de enfermedad respiratoria denominada enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) causada por el virus denominado SARS-CoV-2, numerosos pacientes con confirmación o sospecha de COVID-19 precisarán tratamiento quirúrgico electivo inaplazable o urgente. Estas situaciones requieren la adopción de medidas especiales da cara a minimizar la posibilidad de contagio entre pacientes, la exposición del personal sanitario y el desarrollo de complicaciones postoperatorias. En el presente documento se explican las principales medidas a tener en cuenta en caso de atención a pacientes COVID-19 o sospecha tanto durante su evaluación como en caso de requerir tratamiento quirúrgico. Abstract Due to the current pandemic of respiratory disease known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, many patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection will require elective surgery, surgery that cannot be postponed, or emergency surgical treatment. In these situations, special measures need to be adopted in order to minimize the possibility of transmission between patients, exposure of healthcare personnel and the development of postoperative complications. This document explains the main principles to consider when managing confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients during evaluation as well as when surgical treatment is required.