Objective:

This article aims to identify the changes that occurred in surgical services due to the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic.

Methods:

A comparative observational study of the surgical procedures performed in the first 5 months of 2019 compared to procedures performed in 2020. It addresses the approach, prioritization, and procedures in patients with suspected or confirmed infection with COVID-19.

Results:

A drastic decrease in the number of surgical procedures was observed between March, April, and May 2020 at 19%, 74%, and 85%, respectively. Laparoscopic surgical procedures had a 96% decline rate. The most frequent surgeries in patients with high suspicion or confirmation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus SARS COV-2 have been tracheostomy due to prolonged intubation, cesarean section, laparotomy, abdominoplasty, appendectomy, and among others.

Discussion:

The SARS COV-2 pandemic has led to a sudden shift in all surgical specialties worldwide. Planning for the return to surgical activities with the “new normal” scenario is of foremost importance, taking into account the protection of health personnel, patients, and families.

Conclusions:

We have a long way to go regarding the actions and reorganization of hospital services in relation to the evolution of the SARS COV-2 pandemic.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )