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Editorial 10.5005/wjols-13-2-v

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sweeps across the world, it causes widespread concern, fear, and stress
to the patient who needs elective surgery. COVID-19 is spreading like an uncontrolled fire. Laparoscopic Surgeons
are at the highest risk of contacting this virus. There is a particular need for protection in the operation theaters
and proper management of gas due to pneumoperitoneum leaking with smoke viral DNA and carcinogens
present in surgical smoke. The need to safeguard themselves and their patients has prompted the laparoscopic
surgeons to develop their protocols to tide over the pandemic situation. Although there has been a shift of
available resources from elective surgeries to the management of COVID-19 cases, specific surgical emergencies
need immediate management. Amidst the corona crisis, surgeons have to take care of the issues and safeguards
associated with laparoscopic surgery.
Higher concentrations of particulate matter laparoscopic surgery produces more particulate matter than open surgery, increasing
the risk of viral transmission. The high particulate matter is mostly attributed to:
• Electrosurgical devices employed
• Low-gas motility of pneumoperitoneum
• Gas expulsion through ports or trocars
When used during laparoscopic procedures, it will effectively and efficiently remove smoke from the peritoneal cavity. So, the surgeon
can have enhanced visualization of the surgical site safety from COVID-19 and improved air quality. Therefore, the whole surgical team
should wear personal protection equipment, including:
• Use of laparoscopic smoke evacuation system
• Disposable surgical caps
• Medical protective mask (N95)
• Surgical shield uniform
• Disposable medical protective uniform
• Disposable latex gloves
• Full-face respiratory protective devices
• Powered air-purifying respirator
Laparoscopic surgery during a pandemic comes with multiple threats for the surgical team. Therefore, it is crucial to take measures
for the safeguard of colleagues, family, and friends. Although these measures are definitely going to increase the cost of surgery but for
the wellbeing of health professionals this is necessary.
I request all of you to please stay safe and protect yourself, your family, and your patient.
RK mishra
Editor-in-Chief
Chairman
World Laparoscopy Hospital
Gurugram, Haryana, India

World Journal of Laparoscopic Surgery, Volume 13 Issue 2 (May–August 2020) v