American College of Surgeons

COVID-19: Guidance for Triage of Non-Emergent Surgical Procedures

In response to the rapidly evolving challenges faced by hospitals related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, and broad calls to curtail “elective” surgical procedures, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) provides the following guidance on the management of non-emergent operations.

It is not possible to define the medical urgency of a case solely on whether a case is on an elective surgery schedule. While some cases can be postponed indefinitely, the vast majority of the cases performed are associated with progressive disease that will continue to progress at variable, disease-specific rates. As these conditions persist, and in many cases, advance in the absence of surgical intervention, it is important to recognize that the decision to cancel or perform a surgical procedure must be made in the context of numerous considerations, both medical and logistical. Indeed, given the uncertainty regarding the impact of COVID-19 over the next many months, delaying some cases risks having them reappear as more severe emergencies at a time when they will be less easily handled.

As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery is open and treating patients!  It is our top priority to ensure the safety of every patient, our staff and our families. As always, we follow “universal precautions” which means we will continue to practice the best possible infection control and sterilization protocols in our offices to limit the spread of COVID-19. Patients are welcome to wait in their cars and be called into the office when ready. We are limiting the number of patients we are seeing to be sure that we do not get a crowded waiting room. We may take your temperatures before seeing you.

I feel strongly that the best way to keep you and your family healthy is to keep you out of the emergency room with dental infections.  

Stay Healthy,

Raymond J. Haigney, II, D.D.S., F.A.C.S.

Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Fellowship Trained, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery