Cancellation of elective surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic has swiftly spread across the world, major changes have affected all sectors of life. The many steps taken to combat COVID-19, including social distancing, have hugely impacted the health sectors of all na­tions, including the brave healthcare workers on the front lines. COVID-19 has also greatly impacted the practice of surgery, with many countries recommending the cancella­tion or postponement of elective procedures. These elective surgery cancellations, as unavoidable and crucial as they are, have implications for patients, surgical depart­ments, and surgeons.