Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties Vol. 75, No. 1, January-June 2020, pp 94-96
PSTS Statement on the Practice of Solid Organ Transplantation and Transplant Related Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Author(s): Philippine Society for Transplant Surgeons
Jose Benito A. Abraham, MD, FPCS, FPUA, FPSTS; Ad Hoc Committee on PSTS Guidelines on COVID Pandemic
Abstract:
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world without any exception. This global health crisis has spread rapidly like wildfire, and the disease burden and deaths increase exponentially, affecting heavily the delivery of services on all levels of health care especially those requiring intensive care.
This unexpected issue impacts heavily on the practice of solid organ transplantation in developing countries such as the Philippines. The capability of our existing hospitals to attend to COVID-infected patients is constantly being challenged by the dwindling availability of resources and is further complicated by the indispensable need to protect our front liners (doctors, nurses and allied health care professionals) from developing the disease because many of them also participate in the care of transplant recipients.
The clinical follow-up of these post-transplant recipients is further compromised because “face-to-face” consults are disallowed. Social distancing, travel restrictions and intensified testing have been initiated; however, it remains unclear when normalcy will return. Undoubtedly, this global crisis has created so much havoc, that leads to so much uncertainty and adaptability to emerging knowledge is paramount.
Key words: Kidney transplant, organ donation and transplantation during COVID 19 Pandemic