Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in times of COVID
Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in times of COVID-19
The following article presents general considerations regarding the practice of bariatric and metabolic surgery in times of COVID-19. These considerations are based on evidence and recommendations from national and international associations.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Bariatric and metabolic surgery MUST BE CONSIDERED HIGH PRIORITY. High priority surgery is one that must be performed as soon as possible because it leads to significant benefits for the patient's health status. Another example of high priority surgery is oncologic surgery.
Bariatric and metabolic surgery SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PURELY AESTHETIC SURGERY. While it is true that bariatric and metabolic surgery achieves important aesthetic benefits, the main contribution is to the state of health, combating comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension, which are the main causes of morbidity and mortality in people with COVID19 infection.
COVID-19 MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY DECREASES WITH Bariatric and metabolic surgery, but it does not prevent the risk of infection. If a person does not have adequate care, they have the same chances of contracting COVID-19 with or without surgery. However, when a person undergoes surgery, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and other diseases that cause mortality in COVID-19 improve. Morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 decreases by 12% for each point less in the body mass index.
COVID-19 CASES WILL CONTINUE TO BE REPORTED for a long period of time in Mexico and around the world. Regardless of the surgery, measures to prevent the risk of contagion will continue to be in place for a long period of time (it is not possible to specify how long). We need to get used to this new reality.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR SURGERY
FILL OUT COVID MEDICAL HISTORY. It is necessary to know your history of symptoms related to COVID, such as cough, fever, body cuts, among others. In addition to the risk of proximity to someone with COVID. We know that this simple measure is capable of ruling out more than 80% of people with the disease. If you test positive for any of these symptoms or risk factors, your surgery will have to be rescheduled at least 1 month later.
TAKE A COVID TEST. To undergo surgery, you will need to have a chest x-ray and a PCR or rapid COVID test 3 days before your surgery. The test to be performed will be indicated by your medical coordinator. After the test, total isolation is required. This measure will help us rule out whether you are a carrier of the disease and also whether you have data compatible with COVID-19 pneumonia.
ONLY ONE FAMILY MEMBER AS A COMPANION. Only one family member will be allowed to enter the hospital. This measure is intended to protect you, your family and the medical staff. The less contact there is, the lower the possibility of contagion.
FACE MASKS. Since November 2022, the World Health Organization has recommended that face masks be worn on an optional basis, however, their use is still a recommended (not mandatory) measure by our institution.
SAFETY MEASURES IN HOSPITALIZATION AND OPERATING ROOM. You must be assured that during your hospitalization and in the operating room all safety measures will be taken to prevent the risk of contagion between medical staff and patient or vice versa. Medical staff will be undergoing diagnostic tests to ensure that they are constantly free of COVID.
REST AT HOME FOR 1 WEEK. Although we know that after bariatric surgery a person can return to their activities in less than 1 week, the recommendation in times of COVID is to take 1 week to stay at home, this will reduce the risk of contagion in the first week after your surgery.
FOLLOW-UP BY VIDEO CALL OR TELEPHONE. After your bariatric and metabolic surgery, you will have the same follow-up by the nutrition, psychology, coordination and fitness coach team, however, whenever possible, it will be done by video call or telephone. In case it is necessary to see you in person, the team will be available to do so.
