Nagpur: retired teacher Vijay Bansod’s operation to remove the kidney stones scheduled at a private hospital this Tuesday.
However, the operation must be postponed for 48 hours after the surgeon asked for a negative report of RT-PCR.
The Bansod has taken the covid vaccine dose at least three weeks ago and has no symptoms of Covid-19 at all.
He was surprised, but finally got a test.
In the same line, many patients who have fully recovered from Covid-19 are also asked to submit RT-PCR negative reports before the elective surgical process.
Dr.
Nitin Shinde’s disease specialist triggered a debate about this by tweeting – “Why do some surgeons and anesthesia experts ask RT-PCR negatively before surgery even in people who are restored and fully vaccinated?”.
TOI talks with a leading surgeon in Nagpur to find out why RT-PCR is a must before the surgical procedure.
“The RT-PCR test before surgery is our protocol and we follow it apart from Covid recovery or patient vaccination status,” said Dr.
Raj Gajbhiye, Professor and Head of the Department of Surgery in the Medical College and Hospital government (GMCH).
“We have operated many patients who have recovered from Covid-19, but still suffer from a post-covid problem that requires a surgical correction.
As part of the precautionary measure, we request a RT-PCR test in this patient before surgery,” said Dr.
Gajbhiye.
Veteran surgeon, Dr.
Ys Deshpande said RT-PCR was carried out to be doubled.
“This is part of the protocol and we consider it important.
It ensures the security of doctors, staff, and patients.
If the patient tests positive, we can still carry out operations with additional precautions and use disposable,” he said.
In some cases, the surgeon went for a quick antigen test, not RT-PCR, Dr.
Deshpande added.
According to leading transplant surgery Dr.
Sanjay Kolte, individual prerogative applies while asking for RT-PCR negative reports.
“There are no definite guidelines about it.
In addition, there are various spectrum of diseases and surgeons that are free to make decisions,” he said.
Dr.
Pranam Plastic Surgeon Sadavarte said anesthesia needed a good lung.
“Patients may be covid vaccinated or recover, but there is a possibility of having vulnerable lung conditions.
Without a strong lung, it will be difficult for patients to get out of anesthesia.
Therefore, to ensure good lungs, we recommend RT-PCR before surgery , “he said.
Dr.
Vaibhav Lende’s intravascular surgeon said patients who were fully vaccinated or restored Covid could obtain repeated infections, if exposed.
“Such patients may be without symptoms, but can be a carrier of viruses.
Medical staff and their family members may be infected,” he said.