Elective Surgery During COVID-19 – Yes or No?

How do you determine whether to proceed or wait with your elective surgery during COVID-19 pandemic? There are many things to consider. Among them are your overall health and age, and if the outcome of your surgery would be the same if you were to wait a few months.

If you are a relatively young person and your overall health is good, your risks are lower. If you have been waiting in pain and experience a decrease in function and ability to work or play at your desired level, then you may want to go ahead and proceed with the “elective” surgery sooner than your waitlist tells you.

Keep in mind that some surgeries, even though called elective, may need sooner attention. For example, some injuries can become worse over time, and instead of having a repair, as initially indicated, it can turn into a more complex surgery, such as reconstruction. Your level of functioning and comfort has to be considered.

Safety during the pandemic is also a concern. To ensure safety during COVID 19, medical facilities and surgical centres are taking extra precautions to protect their patients and staff. Face mask, hand washing, extra cleaning, pre-op COVID screening and testing are in place to prevent exposure.

Public Health officials are warning Canadians that COVID-19 may be with us for the next 1 to 3 years, and we will have to learn to live with it. Many people would not like to wait that long for their surgery to take place. If another spike occurs, the waitlists will get even longer.

If you are considering going the private route during these uncertain times, we are here to help. Give us a call toll-free 877 344 3544 to see what your private options may be here in Canada or in the US.