RCPCH publish statement regarding timing of surgery post COVID-19 infection in children

As stated in RCPCH national guidance, ‘Elective surgery in children should be deferred for 14 days following the onset of symptoms or diagnosis with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection’.

CPOC recently published a consensus statement recommending that patients should avoid elective surgery within seven weeks of infection refers to adult patients, paediatric services should continue to use the RCPCH guidance for children and young people. 

The consensus published by CPOC does not impact on the recommendations within RCPCH guidance and therefore the RCPCH continue to advise that for children, elective surgery can be performed 14 days following the onset of symptoms or diagnosis with mild COVID-19 infection.