Author/Authors :
Keramati, Mohammad Reza Division of Colorectal Surgery - Department of Surgery - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Behboudi, Behnam Division of Colorectal Surgery - Department of Surgery - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Ahmadi-Tafti, Mohsen Division of Colorectal Surgery - Department of Surgery - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Kazemeini, Alireza Division of Colorectal Surgery - Department of Surgery - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Keshvari, Amir Division of Colorectal Surgery - Department of Surgery - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Salahshour, Faeze Department of Radiology - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Aghili, Mahdi Department of Radiation Oncology, - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Alborzi, Foroogh Division of Gastroenterology - Department of Internal Medicine - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Aletaha, Najmeh Division of Gastroenterology - Department of Internal Medicine - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Babaei, Mohammad Department of Radiation Oncology, - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Naeem Bangash, Mohammad Division of Colorectal Surgery - Department of Surgery - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Ebrahimi-Daryani, Nasser Division of Gastroenterology - Department of Internal Medicine - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Emami, Amir Hossein Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Farhan, Farshid Department of Radiation Oncology, - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Haddad, Peiman Department of Radiation Oncology, - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Kalani, Mohammad Division of Gastroenterology - Department of Internal Medicine - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Naseri, Amirhosein Division of Colorectal Surgery - Department of Surgery - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Shahi, Farhad Division of Colorectal Surgery - Department of Surgery - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Fazeli, Mohammad Sadegh Division of Colorectal Surgery - Department of Surgery - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Background: In a resource-demanding COVID-19 pandemic, guidelines can free up health care resources needed for providing
better care to those with COVID-19 and other patients. This study was performed to design a guideline to manage patients with
colorectal cancers during the COVID-19pandemic.
Methods: To design this guideline, major topics and headings of colon and rectal cancers (CRC) were selected and included. Based
on the extent of COVID-19 infection in the community and availability of hospital resources, the guideline has been designed for 2
major COVID-19 phases. Several multidisciplinary discussion sessions were held to review the comments of experts, finalize the data,
and write the guideline.
Results: This guideline has been prepared in 2 main COVID-19 phases of the community/hospital. Phase A refers to the condition
where a large number of COVID-19 patients are admitted to the hospital, but limited surgical ICU beds and facilities are still
accessible. In phase B, many people are affected by COVID-19, and all hospital resources are allocated for COVID 19 patients. In
phase A, 4 major groups are discussed, including malignant and suspicious colorectal polyps, colon cancers, rectal cancers, and
recurrent cancers. The approach to emergent cases, including obstruction, bleeding, and perforation, will be presented in phase B.
Conclusion: This guideline is a comprehensive instruction on the approach to colorectal cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic
that covers the major topics of colon and rectal cancers in detail.