Case Description
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented time in Canadian healthcare. This online clinical case presents an introduction to the management of an asymptomatic patient with unknown COVID-19 status in the hospital setting, through the presentation of acute uncomplicated appendicitis. Signs and symptoms of COVID-19, viral characteristics, personal protective equipment, triaging of emergency general surgery patients, and operative management of an asymptomatic patient with unknown COVID-19 status will be discussed.
This case is based on practice at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). The information and protocols in this case are based on the latest literature but may need to be modified depending on your hospital protocols and clinical situation.
This case was completed on March 30, 2020 and last updated on April 29, 2020.
Accreditation Statement
This event is an Accredited Self-Assessment Activity (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and approved by Canadian Association of General Surgeons.
Credit Info
1.0 learning hours
3.0 Section 3 MOC Credits
3.0 Section 3 MOC Credits
Learning Objectives
By the end of this case, you should be able to:
- Identify signs and symptoms and viral characteristics of COVID-19.
- Select appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Explain triaging of emergency general surgery patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Identify correct operative management of an asymptomatic patient with unknown COVID-19 status.
Case Authors
- Olivia Monton
- Allister Smith
Case Audience
- General Surgeons
- General Surgery Residents and Fellows
Case Reviewer
- Paola Fata
- David Fleiszer
- Kevin Lefebvre
- Nancy Posel
Virtual Patient Case Developers
- David Fleiszer MDCM
- Nancy Posel PhD
Disclaimer
The user acknowledges that the workshops, handouts, and related course materials contained therein are intended for educational purposes only, and should not be considered to be legal advice or a substitute for legal or clinical consultation. These presentations address issues that are multi-faceted, and the user should not assume that the courses discuss every law, regulation, or ethical code that may be relevant to the subject matter. Legal and ethical standards are subject to change and it is always prudent to check to see whether a particular law, regulation, or ethical standard may have changed.
This course is freely available to CAGS members. Please create an account and enter your code. If you do not have an access code, please contact: learn@cags-accg.ca.
Refunds/Cancellations: CAGS does not offer refunds for On-Demand Library purchases.