Description
The document presents a transcript of a panel discussion led by James Ritchie, involving speakers discussing mortality rates of COVID-positive elective surgical patients, considerations for preoperative shielding, and the methodology behind various surgical techniques. Dr. Linzy Houchen-Wolloff answers questions concerning the impact of COVID on elective surgeries, reporting low mortality rates and advocating for 14 days of shielding for vulnerable populations, particularly those with diabetes. Sharan Sambhwani follows up on the topic of skin impressions versus deep compartment pressures in surgical assessments, noting past studies and the decision to focus on external compression effects. Thomas Lewis addresses managing soft tissue balance during MICA procedures, detailing the corrective techniques employed and their assessment of complications, claiming comparable complication rates to traditional methods. The discussion wraps up with considerations on how to communicate risks to patients effectively based on recent data, emphasizing open conversations about the risks associated with surgeries during the pandemic.