Potential Risk and Safety Measures in Laparoscopy in COVID-19 Positive Patients

Review (2021)

Authors

Fokkedien H.M.P. Tummers Leiden University Medical Center
Werner A. Draaisma Jeroen Bosch Ziekenhuis
Ahmet Demirkiran Red Cross Hospital, Beverwijk
Tammo A. Brouwer Medical Center Leeuwarden
Brunolf W. Lagerveld Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis
Esther S. van Schrojenstein Lantman Albert Schweitzer Hospital
Klaartje Spijkers Netherlands Patients Federation
Sjors F.P.J. Coppus Maxima Medical Center, Veldhoven
F.W. Jansen Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering , Leiden University Medical Center
Research Group
Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2021 Fokkedien H.M.P. Tummers, Werner A. Draaisma, Ahmet Demirkiran, Tammo A. Brouwer, Brunolf W. Lagerveld, Esther S. van Schrojenstein Lantman, Klaartje Spijkers, Sjors F.P.J. Coppus, F.W. Jansen
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/15533506211003527
More Info
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Biomechanical Engineering

Research Group

Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology

Abstract

Background. During the COVID-19 pandemic the question arises if laparoscopy, as an aerosol forming procedure, poses a potential risk for viral transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to healthcare workers. Methods. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase and MEDLINE. Articles reporting information regarding COVID-19 or other relevant viruses and laparoscopy, surgical smoke, aerosols and viral transmission were included. Results. Although aerosols produced during laparoscopy do not originate from the respiratory tract, the main transmission route of SARS-CoV-2, research did show SARS-CoV-2 to be present in other body fluids. The transmission risk via this route is however considered very low. As previous research showed potential viral transmission during laparoscopy for viruses that spread through contaminated body fluids, there might be a potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission during laparoscopy, albeit considered very small. Conclusion. Due to the small risk compared to widely known benefits of laparoscopy, there is no reason to replace laparoscopy by laparotomy due to COVID-19 infection. To avoid the potential small risk of viral transmission, additional safety measures are advised.