Table 3.

Operating room (OR) setup

One or more dedicated operating rooms for COVID-19 positive cases must be identified

Efforts should be made to have the operating room conform to negative-pressure air flow. A high frequency air exchange (≥ 25 cycles/hour) is preferred

Doors of the operating room should be closed at all times to maintain correct air flow

Anesthesia carts (with adequate medication stock), ventilators, cautery, laparoscopic towers, tables, and all essential equipment should be limited to use in the designated COVID-19 room

Terminal cleaning of all surfaces should be performed after each operation, following hospital guidelines

All surgical instruments used in the case should be covered for transport and returned for immediate sterilization following case completion

Individuals manipulating the used surgical instruments should handle with appropriate donning of PPE (gown, gloves, surgical mask)

All efforts should be made to have necessary equipment, including sutures and surgical instruments in the room for case start time, to limit entry and exit once case is underway

All instruments and supplies that have disposable alternatives should be employed