Anesthetic Management of Pulmonary Metastatectomy in a Patient Infected with Novel Corona Virus SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Prioritization of individual patients for thoracic surgeries gained importance during the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic to ensure optimal utilization of resources. We report the successful anesthesia management of an urgent pulmonary metastasectomy in an elderly patient despite him testing positive for real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction [rRT-PCR] on two occasions.  The rationale behind acceptance of the case for surgery and the precautions taken for reducing aerosol generation during the various stages of anesthesia are highlighted.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Coronavirus Infections; One-Lung Ventilation; Personal Protective Equipment; Aerosols; Thoracic Surgical Procedures