SAFE-SURGERY [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
SARS-CoV2 viability in the Abdomen or Pelvis and the FEasibility of SURGERY
IRAS ID
284066
Contact name
Maria McGuire
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the risk of viral transmission in a number of healthcare settings. These concerns mean that as we enter the recovery phase of this pandemic our ability to return to normal practice may still be affected. \n\nIt is well established that laparoscopic surgery has clear benefits for patients having abdominal surgery in both the short and long term setting. This has however been largely avoided during the pandemic due to concerns about aerosol generation during the release of laparoscopic gas. The use of surgical diathermy to reduce bleeding has also been a concern, as has the risks from exposure to gastrointestinal content. As we aim to return to normal surgical practice it is important that these concerns are addressed. \n\nPrevious research has suggested that some blood borne viruses may be detected in surgical smoke, and that the low temperature devices used in laparoscopic surgery may not effectively deactivate these viruses. Little is known about whether COVID-19 poses a similar risk. Although it has been demonstrated that the virus can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, and is present within the bowel, there is no evidence that it can exist within the abdominal cavity.\n\nThe overall aim of the study is to provide initial scientific data to help determine risk to the theatre team of SARS-CoV2 transmission via the peritoneal cavity in patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery\n
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SC/0261
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion