Thoracic cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: a consensus statement from the Thoracic Domain of the Asian Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Journal
Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals
Journal Volume
28
Journal Issue
6
Pages
322-329
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Jheon S.
Ahmed A.D.B.
Fang V.W.T.
Jung W.
Khan A.Z.
Sihoe A.D.L.
Thongcharoen P.
Tsuboi M.
Turna A.
Nakajima J.
Abstract
Objectives: Healthcare resources have been mobilized to combat the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. The Thoracic Domain of the Asian Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery reports a consensus statement on the provision of thoracic cancer surgery during this pandemic. Methods: A Thoracic Experts Panel was convened by the Society. A consensus on the provision, safety, and setting of thoracic cancer surgery during the pandemic was obtained through a Delphi process. Results: Responses were received from 26 panel members (96% response rate) from 10 regions across Asia. The Society recommended that elective thoracic cancer surgery services may need to be reduced or postponed if medical resources were needed for COVID-19 patients, especially intensive care unit beds and ventilators. However, thoracic cancer surgery should proceed as normal for all solid tumors, without restrictions based on disease stage, availability of non-surgical treatment options, or patient condition (unless there is a high likelihood of postoperative intensive care unit stay). Aerosol-forming procedures should be avoided intra- and perioperatively. The surgical approach does not make a difference in terms of safety. Services for thoracic cancer patients should be offered only in hospitals that maintain isolation wards for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Conclusions: Services for patients with thoracic cancer should be maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic. The position of the Society is that thoracic surgeons have a responsibility to perform good surgical management of thoracic cancer during the pandemic, to advocate for patients’ rights to receive it, and to safeguard patients and staff from infection. ? The Author(s) 2020.
Subjects
Consensus; coronavirus infections; COVID-19; Delphi technique; esophageal neoplasms; lung neoplasms; thoracic surgery
SDGs
Other Subjects
aerosol; Article; bronchoscopy; cancer surgery; clinical practice; consensus; coronavirus disease 2019; Delphi study; disease course; elective surgery; endobronchial ultrasonography; follow up; hospitalization; human; intensive care unit; jet ventilation; length of stay; pandemic; patient care; patient safety; questionnaire; stereotactic body radiation therapy; surgical approach; thorax cancer; thorax surgery; tracheostomy; Asia; Betacoronavirus; Coronavirus infection; medical society; pandemic; practice guideline; procedures; thorax surgery; thorax tumor; virus pneumonia; Asia; Betacoronavirus; Coronavirus Infections; Humans; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Societies, Medical; Thoracic Neoplasms; Thoracic Surgical Procedures
Publisher
SAGE Publications Inc.
Type
journal article