How does COVID-19 affect elective surgery?

Coronavirus or specifically COVID-19 is having a big impact on our lives at present. For those planning for their upcoming surgery, it raises many important questions. For example, will I be at risk of contracting COVID-19 when I am in Hospital? What will happen if I get COVID-19 after my operation, and what effect will that have on my recovery? And even the idea that can my surgery be delayed until all this settles down.

For now, the public and private hospitals that Dr. Sungaran works at are still offering elective surgery as planned. There has been discussion about cancelling elective lists to free up beds to allow for COVID-19 admissions, but so far this has not occurred. Naturally, this is such a fluid situation that this could change any day.

The majority of hand surgery operations are performed as day surgery operations, which does have the benefit of minimising the time spent in hospital. This does help to minimise the chance of cross infection. It also does not interfere with the overnight beds required by hospitals for longer admissions.

The current advice from NSW Health regarding Elective surgery is outlined in this graphic below:

This is specific for patients who have travelled overseas, but for those who have not travelled it becomes an individual decision based on risk vs benefit. The chances of contracting COVID-19 in hospital is difficult to predict because of the number of people who flow through – healthcare workers, patients and visitors. If we all practice strict hand hygiene, avoid touching your face and report symptoms early, it will help reduce the chance of spread.

If you are due to have surgery with Dr. Sungaran, or if you are thinking of booking in your operation and you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us directly to discuss this in person. Please call (02) 95252055 or email doctorjai@optusnet.com.au