Introduction: The Sars-Cov-2 virus is characterized by a being highly contagiousness, and this is the reason why
massive use of personal protective equipment is required by medical and paramedical staff of the
COVID-19 dedicated departments. The aim of this manuscript is to describe and share our experience in
the prevention and treatment of the personal protective equipment related pressure sores and other
skin alterations in the medical and paramedical staff..Based on high quality surgery and scientific data,
scientists and surgeons are committed to protecting patients as well as healthcare staff and hereby
provide this Guidance to address the special issues circumstances related to the exponential spread of
the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during this pandemic.
Methods: The aim is to take responsibility and to
provide guidance for surgery during the COVID-19 crisis in a simplified way addressing the practice of
surgery, healthcare staff and patient safety and care. It is the responsibility of scientists and the surgical
team to specify what is needed for the protection of patients and the affiliated healthcare team. During
crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the responsibility and duty to provide the necessary resources
such as filters, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) consisting of gloves, fluid resistant (Type IIR) surgical
face masks (FRSM), filtering face pieces, class 3 (FFP3 masks), face shields and gowns (plastic ponchos),
is typically left up to the hospital administration and government.
Results: Various scientists and clinicians from
disparate specialties provided a Pandemic Surgery Guidance for surgical procedures by distinct surgical
disciplines such as numerous cancer surgery disciplines, cardiothoracic surgery, ENT, eye, dermatology,
emergency, endocrine surgery, general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, pediatric
surgery, reconstructive and plastic surgery, surgical critical care, transplantation surgery, trauma surgery
and urology, performing different surgeries, as well as laparoscopy, thoracoscopy and endoscopy.
Conclusion: Any
suggestions and corrections from colleagues will be very welcome as we are all involved and locked in a
rapidly evolving process on increasing COVID-19 knowledge.
Keywords: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Dermatology, Elective surgery, Emergency, PPE