Breast reconstruction surgery during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond

The safe resumption of breast reconstruction surgery during Covid-19 has led to long lasting improvements in care.

Abstract

Patients with cancer who were eligible for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy were allocated to a low-risk surgical pathway during the Covid-19 pandemic to enable surgery to be restarted. Clinical nurse specialists introduced enhanced recovery after surgery protocols to standardise care and reduce length of stay, as well as educating and supporting nursing staff in caring for these patients. This enabled a complex reconstructive service to continue safely and effectively without any increase in post-operative complications or negative outcomes. It has led to new ways of working that are improving patient care now Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed.

Citation: Lewis C, Oates C (2023) Breast reconstruction during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. Nursing Times [online]; 119: 7.

Authors: Caroline Lewis is breast reconstruction clinical nurse specialist and Caroline Oates is breast reconstruction practitioner; both at Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust.