When elective surgeries can occur after a COVID-19 infection: New ASA guidelines

The American Society of Anesthesiologists and Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation updated recommendations for the timing of elective surgeries and anesthesia for patients after a COVID-19 infection.

The guidance states elective surgeries should only be performed after a patient clinically recovers from the infection, and "even then, only when the anesthesiologist, surgeon or proceduralist and patient together agree to proceed," a June 20 ASA press release said. 

The organizations recommend that elective surgeries not occur within two weeks of a COVID-19 infection. Between two and seven weeks after infection, clinicians should conduct a risk assessment of the patient. If the risk is low, the surgery can be scheduled. A delay beyond seven weeks should be considered for patients who continue to have COVID-19 symptoms. 

The decision should be based on whether the patient is infectious and clinicians' opinions on the appropriate time to wait between recovery and surgery based on the patient and surgery-specific risks.

 

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