Abstract:

Objective The Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19), which emerged in the People's Republic of China and turned into a global epidemic, affected cancer surgery in our country as well as in the whole universe. Elective surgeries have been postponed in many countries affected by the epidemic. In our study, we aimed to reveal the results of the malignancy operations we performed in the Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Surgery Oncology Clinic during the pandemic. Material and Method Patients who applied to SDU Faculty of Medicine Surgical Oncology Outpatient Clinic and were decided to be operated were included in the study. Covid-19 test (PCR) was applied to all of them during preop preparation. In the follow-ups, general findings of Covid-19, wound conditions and surgical findings were examined. All patients used surgical masks before surgery. Doctors and other healthcare professionals wore surgical masks and disposable latex gloves during their visits and examinations. Results Between March 10, 2020 and June 31, 2021, 138 patients diagnosed with malignancy were operated at SDU Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical Oncology. None of the preoperative patients had Covid-19 symptoms (fever, cough or fatigue). Covid-19 (PCR) test was positive in 2 patients (stomach and breast cancer). The positive patients were isolated and the operation was postponed. No Covid-19 symptoms were observed in any patient in the postoperative 15-day period. All patients were discharged without complications. Conclusion During the Covid-19 Pandemic, the correct management of cancer patients within the surgical indication is important in terms of both preventing deaths due to emergencies and applying the right treatment. It has been shown that cancer patients can be operated safely during the pandemic period, provided that the necessary precautions are taken for the surgical team and patients.

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