Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties Vol. 75, No. 1, January-June 2020, pp 75-77
PSCRS Guidelines for Colorectal Surgeries During COVID-19
Author(s): Philippine Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Abstract:
As the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the Philippine Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (PSCRS) stands by its commitment in providing comprehensive and expert management to patients with colon and rectal diseases. Our aim in developing these guidelines is to ensure that essential colorectal surgical care amidst the pandemic continues in a timely manner without compromising the safety of everyone.
Numerous guidelines from different surgical societies recommend that emergency procedures or “essential surgeries” are the priorities during the pandemic, or at least during the Enhanced Community Quarantine period. “Essential surgeries” are those procedures which are not immediate emergencies but which, after full risk assessment on a case-by-case basis, are judged necessary during this stringent quarantine period. However, in a non-emergent setting, a decision to cancel or delay a surgical procedure should be taken in the context of a number of considerations, such as the patient’s clinical presentation, disease severity, associated co-morbidities, and the risk of possibly exposing the patient to COVID-19 in the hospital setting.
The PSCRS regularly monitors the colorectal care landscape and updates recommendations as the needs arise. After careful review of the present situation, we recommend the following guidelines in the management of patient with colon and rectal diseases during the period of Enhanced Community Quarantine:
Key words: General Management Strategy for Colorectal Surgery