Concerns with laparoscopy and COVID-19

In their March 19 release of recommendations for surgical response to COVID-19, SAGES warned about the possible risk of viral contamination during laparoscopy.

They recommend surgeons individually weigh this risk against the benefit of laparoscopy for a particular patient’s health and recovery. There is data that with other viruses that viral particles have been detected in surgical smoke emitted during laparoscopy. Though this has yet to be proven with COVID-19 in particular, SAGES suggests we err on the side of caution and consider using devices that filter aerosolized CO2 for laparoscopy in any potential or confirmed COVID-19 case.

Any updates regarding laparoscopy and technique to minimize viral spread will be posted here.