Newswise — CHICAGO (January 31, 2022): During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, elective surgery often has been misunderstood to mean an operation that may not really be needed. To help inform the public about this issue, the American College of Surgeons recently released comments on this issue, particularly as it has been discussed and written about during the pandemic.
The ACS notes: “Most surgery is essential, but certain cases should be prioritized. Elective surgery is essential surgery. Maintaining access to surgery is an essential part of quality patient care, whether the surgery is needed to cure a medical condition, address infirmity, extend life or contribute to patient well-being.”
View this ACS public information document here.
Note: In March 2020, the ACS provided guidance for prioritization of operations during COVID-19, noting hospitals should create a Surgical Review Committee, composed of surgery, anesthesiology, and nursing personnel for COVID-19-Related Surgical Triage Decision Making. View the guidance document.
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About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 84,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.
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