COVID-19: Guiding surgeons through this pandemic .

A number of major surgical and public health organizations have released guidance to help surgeons navigate practice disruptions during COVID-19. Resources from ACS, RCS, OTA, CDC, and global collaborations outline how to triage elective procedures, manage virtual assessments, and prepare for care of suspected or confirmed cases. Common themes include postponing non-urgent surgeries, conserving essential supplies, shifting appropriate care to outpatient settings, and establishing insulated clinical teams. Many groups also emphasize virtual communication, ongoing monitoring of CDC and WHO updates, and readiness for procedures in high-risk scenarios. Collectively, these recommendations aim to maintain patient care while protecting healthcare workers and preserving system capacity during a rapidly changing pandemic.