Conclusions
Cancer is a disease that cannot be deferred for long, and for adequate
surgical treatment, reconstruction is an absolute necessity. Centers
dedicatedly dealing with the cancer treatment are important in this time
to provide as much cancer care as possible as general hospitals may not
be available. The need is to avoid the increase in the deaths that
may result due to deficient cancer care in the face of this pandemic.Reconstruction should not be a limitation for head and neck cancer
treatment. Reconstruction should be carried out in discussion with the
team, considering the capacity of setup, adequacy of resources,
equipment, and potential defect. Isolation of high-risk patients, risk
stratification of patients, infection control, and protection of health
care workers are important considerations during these times. The use of
technology via online platforms comes handy for follow-ups and
consultation.
Key points
- Cancer is considered as a semi-emergency and cancer treatment should
be triaged rather than deferring, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Cancer reconstruction is vital for the adequacy of overall treatment
in many ways, and it poses lots of challenges and ethical dilemmas.
- Reconstruction should not be the limiting factor for adequate cancer
treatment.
- A disclaimer covering the associated risk of COVID-19 with malignancy
as well as points covering reconstructive procedure is vital and to be
noted in the consent.
- Dedicated cancer care centers should lead the way for reconstructive
care in these times.
- Team, setup, resources, and potential defects are important
considerations.
- Infection control and the protection of health care workers should be
a priority.