High Prevalence of SARS-COV-2 infection in patients undergoing cataract surgery

Abstract

Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevalence has rapidly been increased worldwide in the last a few months. Asymptomatic COVID-19 cases scheduled for elective surgeries can be a risk factor for the healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Methods Patients scheduled for cataract surgery in months of November and December 2020 were included in the study. COVID 19 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test was taken routinely from all patients within 48 hours before the operation date. Result In this study, 151 patients who planned cataract surgery were included. The average age of the patients was 64,6±12,6 years. The study population consisted of 94 (%62,3)men and 57 (%37,7) women. According to COVID 19 PCR test results, there were 16 (%10.6) positive cases. All cases were asymptomatic. Conclusions Asymptomatic covid patients continue to be contagious. We need to be careful when taking elective cases to minimize the risk of adverse outcomes after surgery and transmission of viruses to medical staff and other patients.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Ophthalmology
• Cataract surgery
• SARS-CoV2
• Asymptomatic

Katarakt ameliyatı geçiren hastalarda SARS-COV-2 enfeksiyonunun yüksek prevalansı

Abstract

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Oftalmoloji
• Katarakt ameliyatı
• SARS-CoV2
• Asemptomatik

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