Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties Vol. 75, No. 1, January-June 2020, pp 103-107
PSUS Recommendations for Ultrasound Use for Surgeons in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Author(s): Philippine Society of Ultrasound in Surgery
Abstract:
Introduction
Movement restrictions have been in place since the Philippine national government has placed majority of the country on enhanced community quarantine. Because of this, several diagnostic examinations classified as non-urgent have been cancelled or rescheduled to a later date. As we prepare ourselves for the coming easing of restrictions, the Philippine Society of Ultrasound in Surgery has prepared several recommendations in the use of these diagnostic imaging tests in surgical practice.
We have reviewed several existing guidelines from international ultrasound societies and have adapted several recommendations that could be applied to our setting. These guidelines are mostly consensus agreements on expert opinions as limited evidence-based studies are available.
These recommendations aim to ensure a consistent and uniform approach in decreasing the risk of transmission between patients and clinical practitioners during the performance of an ultrasound examination.
These recommendations only serve as a guide to protect both patients and surgeons. They do not supersede any existing institutional protocol. We also recognize that the circumstances surrounding this pandemic are dynamic and this document’s recommendations are subject to change. They can be applied until this situation is under control and should be re-evaluated based on the prevailing conditions.
Key words: Intraoperative Use of the Ultrasound, Performance of Ultrasound Scanning