COVID-19 patients who undergo surgery more likely to die, global study suggests

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The study suggests that the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients who underwent surgery was one in four. Regardless of the type of surgery, the mortality rate was disproportionately higher, researchers suggested. (Shutterstock / MAD.vertise)

(CBC News) — A global study conducted by international researchers, including one from Western University in London, Ont., suggests that COVID-19 patients who undergo surgery experience worse postoperative outcomes, including death, compared to similar patients who haven’t been infected with the virus.

The study, published by The Lancet, a peer-reviewed medical journal, was developed by CovidSurg Collaborative.

Researchers, including Janet Martin, an associate professor at Western University, examined data from more than 1,000 patients in 24 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America and found that chances of death and pulmonary complications are higher for COVID-19 patients.

“Our goal is to achieve optimal patient outcomes. For the first time, we have data from a large study to inform when the benefits from surgery outweigh the risks in patients who may also have COVID-19,” Martin said. “This is timely given our need to re-open elective surgery safely during a global pandemic.”

Findings showed that the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients who underwent surgery was one in four or 23.8 per cent. Additionally, regardless of the type of surgery, whether elective, emergency, minor or major, the mortality rate was disproportionately higher, the study suggested. (…)

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