Determınıng the Covıd-19 Exıstence in Perıtoneal Fluıd

Abstract Purpose: To determine the SARS-CoV-2 existence in the peritoneal fluid for preventing healthcare workers from surgical smoke and aerosolization of Covid-19 during laparoscopyMethods: All the data of the 6 Covid-19 positive patients included in this study were collected prospectively between the 31st August 2020 and 31st November 2020. Clinicopathologic data of the patients including age, symptoms, radiological and laboratory findings, antiviral treatment before the operation, operation, and peritoneal fluid Covid-19 existence were recorded. Covid-19 status of the patients was diagnosed with a nasal swab test. Covid-19 existence in the peritoneal fluid was determined by the RT-PCR test.Results: All the 6 Covid-19 positive patients were pregnant. Therefore, all the operations were ceserean section operation. Only one patient had high fever. The Covid-19 specific radiological finding was detected only in one patient. In laboratory findings: 4 of 6 cases had lymphopenia and all cases had D-dimer positivity. Antiviral drugs were not used in any of the cases in this study. There was no detected Covid-19 virus in the peritoneal fluid examples of any cases. Conclusion: Aerosolization of Covid-19 from the peritoneal cavity by laparoscopy or electrocautery is not a big concern under the condition of applying cautions according to the guidelines.