Background:

COVID-19 pandemic may affect the surgical teams and patients.

Objective:

The aim of this report was to describe the changes introduced in the structure and proces ses of a surgical facility for the safe care of suspected and positive COVID-19 patients, and to describe the initial results of their implementation.

Material and methods:

We conducted a prospective, descriptive and observational study between April 1 and May 31, 2020. The structural changes and the modifications introduced in the functioning processes within the surgical area of a university hospital adapted to the care of suspected and positi ve COVID-19 patients, and the activities developed in such area were documented.

Results:

There was a reduction in the number of scheduled and emergency surgeries performed du ring the study period. Of the 173 emergency surgeries, 17 (9.8%) were suspected cases and 3 (1.7%) resulted positive COVID-19 patients confirmed by PCR tests. None of the 136 patients undergoing scheduled surgeries were suspected or confirmed cases. Compliance with the checklist was 100%. There were no infections among the personnel working in the facility.

Conclusions:

The changes implemented in the surgical facility allowed for adequate care of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients during the period, with complete adherence to recommendations and reduced risk of disease transmission in order to provide safety to patients and the health care team.

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