The Centre on 3 February asserted that coronavirus patients requiring surgery need not be denied surgical intervention, saying present data indicates that such procedures are safe and not associated with higher chances of complications or deaths with the current variant.

At a press conference, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, presented an "Analysis of Surgeries during the current surge COVID OT cases in AIIMS, Delhi" from December 20, 2021, January 20, 2022, at a press conference. According to the study, a total of 53 COVID cases underwent surgery, of which 32 (60 per cent) were given regional anaesthesia and 21 (40 per cent) were given general anaesthesia.

Of the 32 cases, 26 cases were Lower segment Cesarean section (LSCS). "No complications during surgery and immediate postoperative period were found in the study. Also, no deaths and complications in other cases as well were noted," the minister said. Besides, 21 cases were done under General Anaesthesia (GA) which included six cases of Laparotomy, four cases of Decompressive craniectomy, two cases each of Tracheostomy and amputation.

The clinical data and evidence which has emerged showed no aggravation and respiratory status in any case, the analysis found. The Chest X-Ray of all 21 patients was not suggestive of COVID in the peri-operative period and indicates no respiratory complication after general anaesthesia in COVID positive patients, he said.

Of the total 21 cases, 17 survived and four died. All reported deaths were primarily due to other causes and not linked/aggravated due to COVID-19 infection, he said. "The present data indicate that unlike the evidence during the earlier surge, with the current variant surgery is safe and not associated with higher chances of complications or deaths in COVID positive patients. Therefore, patients who need surgery need not be denied surgical intervention presently," he said.

He presented this data in the context of earlier studies on Mortality during surgery for COVID-19 patients (June-2021) according to which peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the risk of death and pulmonary complications and delay was recommended for symptomatic patients and for elective surgeries.