Please enter both an email address and a password.

Account login
Need to reset your password?  Enter the email address which you used to register on this site (or your membership/contact number) and we'll email you a link to reset it. You must complete the process within 2hrs of receiving the link.

We've sent you an email

An email has been sent to Simply follow the link provided in the email to reset your password. If you can't find the email please check your junk or spam folder and add no-reply@rcseng.ac.uk to your address book.

Intercollegiate guidance for pre-operative chest CT imaging for elective cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic

When this page was published on 14 May, the text within was the text of an earlier version (April 15) of the preoperative chest CT imaging guidance but was flagged as an update. We apologise sincerely for this editorial error. The correct version, updated as of 8.30am on 15 May, is below.

This document updates the previous Intercollegiate guidance (April 15th 2020)

It outlines the process to ensure a consistent approach to screening for COVID in the cancer patient undergoing surgery. This aims to ensure both staff and patient safety by minimising the risk of COVID in the perioperative pathway.

All patients having elective cancer surgery

  • Must have been asymptomatic and self isolated for at least 14 days prior to surgery
  • Must have a COVID throat swab within 72 hours of surgery - this can be done at home to prevent the need to visit hospital before admission
  • Where practical (if independent) self isolate for 14 days following discharge after surgery

Special circumstances

Asymptomatic and living alone but not isolated for 7 days

  • Postpone surgery
  • Ask patient to self isolate for at least 14 days and follow as normal

Household member with confirmed or suspected COVID symptoms

  • Postpone surgery
  • Patient to self-isolate for at least 14days and follow as normal
  • Where practical (if independent) self-isolate for 14 days following discharge after surgery

Interpretation of results

If throat swab negative, proceed with surgery.

If a patient is positive for COVID on throat swab then postpone surgery at least by 14 days and repeat swab 48 hours before planned surgery date.

Screening CT chest

Accumulating evidence clearly demonstrates that a preop CT chest does not add to the detection of Covid 19 in an asymptomatic, isolated and tested patient and is not recommended for screening before elective cancer surgery.

Share this page: