Abstract:

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 was first reported in Wuhan, China, then spread domestically and internationally. As the epidemic quickly develops, some health care providers were infected, which had significant impacts on hospital activities, including routine work in the departments of respiratory, tuberculosis, and thoracic surgery. Likewise, the epidemic makes a significant effect on health care for osteoarticular tuberculosis. In order to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 infection, here we provide some necessary suggestions for health care providers in the department of osteoarticular tuberculosis surgery. (1) During the epidemic, the NCP screening and diagnosis should be performed routinely, in-home treatment is preferred while in-hospital treatment should be a subordinary option. (2) All clinical practices should be performed based upon the “One Patient One Room” principle. (3) Elective operations are not recommended and should be postponed. (4) In cases when the operation is required, the patient should be isolated for at least 2 weeks and tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR twice. (5) If patients have spinal cord injury and other life-threatening complications that requires emergency operation, the RT-PCR test must be performed before the operation. Regardless of the results, grade 3 protection should be applied in the operation, and negative pressure operating room is recommended. Disinfection and isolation measures should be implemented strictly. (6) After the operation, take precautions with postoperative complications, especially with screening suspected patients for NCP.

Key words: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19), Tuberculosis, osteoarticular, Surgical procedures, operative, Benchmarking, Clinical governance