Postoperative Pulmonary Functions Evaluation for Recently Recovered Covid-19 Positive Patients Posted for Surgeries under General Anaesthesia

Abstract Introduction Since COVID-19 can impact virtually all major organ systems, the timing of surgery after a Covid-19 diagnosis is important when considering the risk of postoperative complications. Objective Evaluation of the pulmonary functions of recently recovered COVID positive patients after general anesthesia. Methods During this study, 30 recently recovered COVID positive patients, 4-8 weeks after the end of symptoms with a history of mild to moderate Covid-19 infection. Post-operative spirometry was performed after 8 hours and compared with the pre-operative one. Patients were divided into two groups, mild and moderate regarding severity of symptoms. Each group was further divided into two subgroups; first subgroup included 4 weeks post-Covid patients and second subgroup included 5 to 8 weeks post-Covid patients. Results There were no significant differences between study groups as regard postoperative pulmonary functions, intra operative hemodynamic instability, post-operative hypoxemia PSO2 < 90, post-operative nausea and vomiting. Conclusions Patients should avoid elective surgery shortly after infection, unless the benefits of doing so exceed the risk of waiting. Individualised multidisciplinary risk assessment for patients requiring elective surgery after SARS-CoV-2 infection is recommended.