Evidence and Recommendations Regarding Urologic Laparoscopic and Robotic-Assisted Surgery in times of COVID-19

Abstract

On March 11, 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic and has created an impact like no other on health systems worldwide. A restructuring in the priority of patient care has currently taken place that is based on the patient's underlying pathology. Urology services are no exception, postponing all the elective surgeries that can be delayed without putting the patient at risk. A surgical protocol has been adopted during the pandemic that attempts to reduce the amount of time the operating room is in use, as well as the risk for postoperative complications, so that hospital stay can be reduced. In such a setting, minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, can play a beneficial role in treating oncologic pathologies that cannot be deferred. Based on the best evidence that has currently been published and the guidelines of international associations, this paper summarizes the recommendations regarding urologic laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery in times of COVID-19.