Covid-19: ESCP endorses new surgical response recommendations

The European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) is joining forces with the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) to endorse their joint recommendations on the appropriate surgical response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Each specific recommendation has been formulated according to the scientific evidence currently available and expert opinion from across the global surgical community.

While ESCP have chosen not to design their own COVID-19 guidance, the guideline committee aim to continuously monitor and expand on these recommendations so that they are up to date with the latest developments and can serve as practical advice.

Stephanie Breukink, colorectal consultant at Maastricht University Medical Centre (Netherlands) and assistant chair of the ESCP guideline committee, said: “COVID-19 has demonstrated a tendency to spread at an exponential rate in several countries, significantly impacting many lives and affecting healthcare professionals. The recommendations aim to provide support to surgical specialists by addressing several uncertainties regarding the overall practice, individual safety, and overall patient care.”

The COVID-19 guidance covers:

• Essential procedural considerations
• Detailed practical measures for surgery, laparoscopy and endoscopy
• The importance of rationing services, as well as the appropriate steps to take regarding all non-urgent in-person clinic/office visits

The guidelines can be viewed in full

Willem Bemelman, ESCP President, said: “It is of paramount importance that we support and provide endorsement of these recommendations as we work together in unison with our international partners. During these uncertain times, ESCP is proud to be working with EAES and SAGES in order to respond quickly and provide insights and learnings as the coronavirus pandemic impacts our industry.”

Gabriela Möslein, ESCP Secretary, added: “ESCP’s guideline committee has chosen not to write their own recommendations on this occasion, but to endorse EAES and SAGES’ joint recommendations on COVID-19 surgery. During these unprecedented times, it is essential now more than ever that organisations work together to fuel research development to improve patient outcomes.”

As the situation continues to develop, ESCP remains mindful that certain information may be subject to change and will update accordingly when appropriate.

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