P052. Feasibility and safety of breast cancer surgery during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic

Oweis, Deyana; Bromley, Gwen; Dordea, Matei

Introduction: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, services in the NHS were re-configured including cancer surgery. We present our experience in breast cancer surgery performed at the private hospital considered as a COVID-19 free hub to cope with limited resources and the acute hospital. Methods: An observational study of patients undergoing breast cancer surgery during the pandemic between March 17th, the first case of COVID-19 in hospital, and June 30th. Data collected: Demographics, co-morbidities, type of operation, pre and post op COVID status, post-operative complications. Patients were followed up 2 weeks post-operatively via telephone conversation or clinic appointment. Screening protocols included CXR &/or swabs. Results: 117 patients (pts) of which 41pts (35%) were operated on at the acute hospital and 76pts (65%) at the private hospital. One male patient and the median age was 59 years (36 - 89). 35pts (30%) were ASA 1, 78pts (67%) ASA 2, 4pts (3%) ASA 3. None of the patients had COVID-19 related symptoms or re-admissions in the 2 weeks post-surgery. One post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy patient had SARS-CoV-2 positive swab test pre-operatively, another patient had typical radiological changes of COVID on staging CT but consecutive negative swabs. Both patients were postponed for 4 weeks then achieved 2 negative swab results and resolution of CT changes. Trainees were involved in the majority of operations on both sites minimising the impact on training. Conclusion: In our experience breast cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic has been demonstrated to be safe and not training averse. It eliminated any backlog and limited potential consequences.