Surgical protocol for confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola and other highly transmissible diseases

Abstract

Outbreaks of viral haemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola can lead to imported cases in Europe and America. The eventuality of surgery in the setting of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is low, but the Spanish Association of Surgeons elaborated a surgical protocol for EVD.

Indication: Elective surgical procedures are not indicated. Emergency cases can be considered in: persons under investigation, possible cases and early confirmed cases. In some conditions usually treated by surgery a medical treatment can be tested.

Hospitals and teams: All cases must be treated in high technology hospitals. These hospitals must be equipped with adequate means for healthcare provider's protection. All members of the healthcare team should practice thorough simulation prior to caring for a possible Ebola patient.

Surgical protocol: This protocol is based on international guidelines on use of Personal Protective Equipment, protocols of other scientific societies, and specific recommendations for the operating room environment.

Keywords: Cirugía; Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever; Ebola Virus Disease; Enfermedad por virus del Ébola; Fiebre de Lassa; Fiebre hemorrágica de Crimea-Congo; Fiebre hemorrágica de Marburg; Lassa Fever; Marburg haemorrhagic fever; Protocol; Protocolo; Surgery.