Guidelines for Preoperative Testing for Neurosurgery in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Era: Indian Viewpoint Amidst Global Practice

Abstract

Preoperative testing and evaluation for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been an enigmatic challenge for the neurosurgical community during the pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, laboratory diagnostic methods have evolved substantially, and with them has been the necessity for readily available, fast, and accurate preoperative testing methods. In this article, we provide an overview of the various laboratory testing methods that are presently available and a comprehensive literature review how various institutes and neurosurgical communities across the globe are employing them to ensure safe and effective delivery of surgical care to patients. Through this review, we highlight the guiding principles for preoperative testing, which may serve as a road map for other medical institutions to follow. In addition, we provide an Indian perspective of preoperative testing and share our experience in this regard.

Keywords: COVID-19; Diagnostic assay; Neurosurgery; Preoperative testing.

Figure 1

Stacked-column chart showing percentages of neurosurgical cases operated at our center that tested negative, indeterminate, or positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during various phases of nationwide lockdown. With the gradual step-up of testing capacity, we were able to emplace mandatory preoperative testing (green arrow) for COVID-19 by Phase V.