Guidance for management of cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic
Christian Finley, Anubha Prashad, Natasha Camuso, Corinne Daly, Armen Aprikian, Chad G. Ball, J. Bentley, Dhany Charest, Paola Fata, Lucy Helyer, Daniel O’Connell, Husein Moloo, Andrew Seely, Joel Werier, Toni Zhong, Craig C. Earle
Abstract
Summary: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, delaying lifesaving cancer surgeries must be done with extreme caution and thoughtfulness. Modelling indicates that delays in high-risk cancer surgeries beyond 6 weeks could affect long-term outcomes for thousands of Canadians. Consequently, it is possible that postponing cancer surgery without consideration of its implications could cost more lives than can be saved by diverting all surgical resources to COVID-19. This article provides general guidance on supporting curative surgical treatment where appropriate and with available resources.