Omicron Era Surgery Guidance

Omicron was described as having lower intrinsic virulence and milder clinical presentation than earlier variants. Extra caution is warranted for surgery very soon after infection and for cardiothoracic surgery within 7 weeks of infection. The study assessed whether earlier recommendations to delay elective surgery for at least 7 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection remained appropriate during the Omicron era. The study supports individualised perioperative risk assessment rather than uniform surgical delay for all patients with recent COVID-19. Most patients recovering from Omicron-era COVID-19 may proceed with surgery after appropriate risk assessment.