Comparative Study of Surgical Outcomes in Patients with and without COVID-19 Undergoing Emergency Surgery

Many studies suggest that surgery in patients with COVID-19 increases the risk of complications and mortality after surgery. The purpose of this research was to compare the frequency of outcomes during and after surgery between patients with and without COVID-19 undergoing emergency surgery in Gonbad Kavus hospitals, 2020-2021.

In this cross-sectional study, two groups of adults (n= 114) with and without COVID-19 (group A and group B, respectively) who underwent emergency surgery were examined. Demographic data, laboratory findings, and during and post-operative outcomes were recorded. Data analysis was done in SPSS V26.

Average age and weight in group A (45.5 years, 78.3±16.6 Kg, respectively) were found to be higher than those in group B (39.3 years and 67.9±11.5 Kg, respectively). Significant difference was seen in the percentage of arterial blood oxygen saturation after operations between group A (94.7±1.38) and group B (91.7±2.83) (P<0.0001). Also, mean ICU and hospital length of stay were significantly longer in group A (8.5 and 9.8 days, respectively) compared with group B (5.4 and 6 days, respectively) (P<0.0001). Moreover, death was observed more in group A (76%) than group B (23%) (P=0.041).

All members of the surgical team are required to pay special attention to the increase in the incidence of complications during and after surgery in patients with COVID-19 undergoing emergency surgery in order to take necessary preventive and therapeutic measures.