TITLE:
Retrospective Diagnosis of COVID-19 in an Asymptomatic Patient Undergoing Emergency Surgery
AUTHORS:
Margaret Yanfong Chong, Daphne Xin Ying Moo
KEYWORDS:
Coronavirus, COVID-19, Asymptomatic, Emergency Surgery, Infection Control, Pharyngeal Swab, Personal Protective Equipment
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Anesthesiology,
Vol.10 No.8,
August
20,
2020
ABSTRACT: Background: With reports of higher mortality and complications occurring in patients with perioperative 2019 novel coronarvirus disease (COVID-19), most elective surgeries have been postponed. However, evidence regarding emergency surgeries in patients with COVID-19 remains scarce. We report the case of a patient with asymptomatic perioperative COVID-19, presenting with an acute abdomen requiring surgery. Case: A 25-year-old male, with a prior nasopharyngeal swab that was negative for SARS-CoV-2, presented with classical signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis. Clinical examination and investigations were not suggestive of COVID-19 infection. He underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy with infection control precautions. Post-operatively, he was found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 but remained asymptomatic and had an uneventful recovery. Conclusion: In asymptomatic individuals with higher risks, negative test results should be viewed cautiously. The benefits of urgent surgical interventions must be weighed against the risks of complications due to perioperative COVID-19 in these patients.