COVID-19 crisis and minimally invasive surgery: a narrative review on intraoperative aerosol viral transmission and their impact on guidelines and clinical practice in Austria

Mun, Dong-Ho; Pradere, Benjamin; Shariat, Shahrokh F.; Yurdakul, Ozan; Remzi, Mesut

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the risk of intraoperative aerosol viral transmission and the impact of updated COVID-19 guidelines on minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in Austria. RECENT FINDINGS: The current literature does not support the risk of intraoperative viral transmission nor does it suggest a harm of minimally invasive procedures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, medical societies mostly adopted a precautionary approach with a focus on protective measures. Austrian surgeons considered MIS safe during the pandemic and Austria managed to keep the initial outbreak in control. Yet, MIS programs were still affected due to the postponements of elective procedures and switches to other methods by some surgeons. SUMMARY: The postponement and cancellation of MIS caused complexities in health-care delivery in Austria, whilst the evidence to substantiate this precautionary approach is missing. It must be noted, both the guidelines and our review are limited by the scarcity of evidence. In further consequence, regional factors should be considered while taking precautions. Specific studies on the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 transmission risk during MIS are urgently needed.