COVID-19 before major elective surgery in regions experiencing the high spread of the virus can reduce the risk of respiratory complications and save lives.The researchers say testing allows surgeons to identify people with COVID-19 who are asymptomatic and to then postpone their surgeries, avoiding the risk of severe COVID-19 complications after an operation.
COVID-free hospital zones could prevent cancer surgery complications, deaths: study As well, researchers say routine testing helps prevent the virus from spreading to other patients.“In Canada, nasal swab testing is routinely used before surgery in regions where COVID-19 is circulating, though not universally,” said Western University professor and CovidSurg Collaborative.